Honor Fallen Navy Veteran

Senate Resolution No. 507 BY: Senator BRESLIN COMMENDING Walter Harry Bethel posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony on April 8, 2019 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; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Walter Harry Bethel posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony to be celebrated on Monday, April 8, 2019; and WHEREAS, Walter Harry Bethel was born on November 12, 1924, in Milford, Massachusetts, the son of Walter Daniel Bethel and Natalina "Tillie" Donini Bethel; growing up in Cohoes and Lansingburgh, New York, he attended Cohoes High School and worked for a short time running a folding machine at Field and Hatch Knitting Company; and WHEREAS, On December 11, 1941, Walter Harry Bethel enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country as a Seaman 2nd Class on the USS Ingraham (DD-444); and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, Walter Harry Bethel was awarded the American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the Purple Heart; and WHEREAS, On the night of August 22, 1942, the USS Ingraham collided with the USS Chemung (AO-30) in heavy fog off the coast of Nova Scotia; the USS Ingraham sank almost immediately, and depth charges on her stern exploded; and WHEREAS, Walter Harry Bethel was officially declared Killed in Action (KIA) on August 23, 1943, at the age of 17; and WHEREAS, A headstone has been placed in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in memory of Walter Harry Bethel; 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 Harry Bethel 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 Harry Bethel posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Rensselaer County at its Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony on April 8, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Walter Harry Bethel.