Honor Liberty Medal for Radt

Senate Resolution No. 3222 BY: Senator KENNEDY COMMENDING Walter H. Radt posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Walter H. Radt posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, Born on February 7, 1923, in Buffalo, New York, Walter H. Radt attended Burgard Vocational High School; after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army in January of 1942, and proudly served his country as a radio operator with the Pacific Theater 5th Air Force aboard B-26 bombers during World War II; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Second World War, Walter H. Radt was awarded six Bronze Star Medals and the Bronze Arrowhead; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service in December of

1946, with the rank of Staff Sergeant, Walter H. Radt returned to Buffalo and worked as a truck driver for several firms, retiring from Neptune Moving in the 1990s; and WHEREAS, Walter H. Radt married the love of his life, Elizabeth, and together, they raised six children, Douglas, Keenan, Beverly, Darryl, Kimberly and Melody, and were the loving grandparents of six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, A man of many interests and passions, Walter H. Radt was an avid book collecter, and at one time, had more than 4,000 hard-cover books in his library; he was also a devoted fan of the Buffalo Sabres and enjoyed riding his bicycle and photography; above all, he loved spending time with his wife of 57 years and his cherished family; and WHEREAS, Walter H. Radt died on December 22, 2015, at the age of 92; and WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing in action; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, Walter H. Radt demonstrated his love for his country and merits forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Walter H. Radt posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Walter H. Radt.