Honor Canton Veteran William Rood

Senate Resolution No. 2381 BY: Senator STEC COMMENDING Corporal William L. Rood upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a New York State Senate Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize individuals whose extraordinary service to their country, dedication to their community, and commitment to the welfare of others exemplify the highest ideals of citizenship; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commend Corporal William L. Rood, United States Army veteran of the Korean War and lifelong resident of Canton, New York, upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the prestigious New York State Senate Liberty Medal, in recognition of his distinguished military service, decades of public service, and enduring contributions to his community; 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, Corporal Rood enlisted in the United States Army in 1949 and served in the Korean War from 1950 through 1952 with Company C, 13th Engineer Combat Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, participating in the historic amphibious landing at Inchon and subsequent operations on the Korean Peninsula; and WHEREAS, During the Korean War, Corporal Rood endured the harrowing Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, one of the conflict's most brutal engagements, where United Nations forces faced overwhelming enemy numbers, encirclement, and temperatures reaching 35 degrees below zero; the extraordinary courage and perseverance of the servicemembers who survived this ordeal earned them the enduring names "Chosin Few" and "Frozen Chosin"; and WHEREAS, Corporal Rood continues to suffer from frostbite sustained during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, a lasting reminder of the extreme hardships he endured in defense of freedom; following his service in combat, he returned to Korea with his unit to repair damaged supply lines, construct bridges, clear land mines, and support frontline operations; and WHEREAS, For his honorable military service, Corporal Rood received numerous commendations, including the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, New York State Medal for Merit, and the Ambassador for Peace Medal presented by the Government of South Korea; and WHEREAS, Upon returning to Canton, Corporal Rood continued his commitment to public service, joining the Village of Canton Police Department, where he served the community with distinction for 27 years before retiring in 1982 at the esteemed rank of Sergeant; and WHEREAS, Demonstrating that his dedication to helping others extended beyond law enforcement, Corporal Rood served as a driver for the Lawrence Ambulance Company from 1983 through 1993, making numerous life-saving trips transporting patients to hospitals, including facilities in Syracuse; and WHEREAS, A longtime member of VFW Post No. 52 in Canton and AMVETS in Potsdam, Corporal Rood has participated in numerous community activities in support of fellow veterans and the North Country; he also served as a hunting guide for the Stillwater Club, the oldest hunting club in New York State; and WHEREAS, Through his military service, distinguished law enforcement career, work with emergency medical transportation, and continued community involvement, Corporal William L. Rood has exemplified the values of duty, honor, courage, and selfless service, earning the respect and gratitude of his fellow citizens; and WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to recognize Corporal William L. Rood for his exceptional military service, distinguished public service, and unwavering commitment to the people of Canton and the State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Corporal William L. Rood upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the New York State Senate Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate, in recognition of his valorous military service during the Korean War, his distinguished career in public service, and his enduring contributions to his community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Corporal William L. Rood.