Honor Navy Veteran with Medal

Senate Resolution No. 24 BY: Senator HINCHEY COMMENDING Radioman 3rd Class Frank William Degenhardt 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 esteemed Body; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Radioman Third Class Frank William Degenhardt 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, This honor will be awarded to Radioman Third Class Frank William Degenhardt by the Columbia County Honor a Veteran Committee at the Columbia County Office Building in Hudson, New York, on Monday, June

10, 2024; and WHEREAS, Frank William Degenhardt, was born to Frank and Mary (O'Brian) Degenhardt in Mount Vernon, New York, on February 1, 1925; he attended Minnie S. Graham Elementary School and A. B. Davis High School where he graduated in 1942; and WHEREAS, On February 18, 1943, Frank William Degenhardt enlisted in the United States Navy in New York City; he completed his initial training at the Recruit Station Training Center in Newport, Rhode Island, and received additional training in radio communications in Boston, Massachusetts, and Norton Heights, Connecticut; and WHEREAS, Radioman Third Class (RM3) Frank W. Degenhardt, a member of Unit 470 of the 7th Fleet, was commissioned to combat in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II; he saw action in the Admiralty Islands Campaign and the liberation of the Philippines; and WHEREAS, For his service to this Nation, RM3 Frank W. Degenhardt earned several awards, including the American Theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with one star, European Theatre Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal with Asia clasp, Philippine Liberation Medal with two stars, Honorable Discharge Pin, and Honorable Service Lapel Pin; and WHEREAS, On August 8, 1953, RM3 Frank W. Degenhardt married Jessie Shute in Pelham, New York, and the couple raised four children in Larchmont; and WHEREAS, Frank William Degenhardt worked as Radio Technician and Technical Director for ABC Television in New York City; his outstanding work earned him recognition as an Emmy-winning Technical Director; and WHEREAS, Although a resident of Larchmont, Frank William Degenhardt remained active with the Mount Vernon Fire Company in the neighboring City of Mount Vernon where he spent his childhood; and WHEREAS, Upon his retirement in 1989, Frank William Degenhardt and his wife, Jessie, moved to the family homestead in Gallatin, New York; for four years, he served as Gallatin Town Judge; additionally, he was a Member and Chaplain of the Red Hook-Rhinebeck Elks Lodge; and WHEREAS, At his home in Gallatin, Frank William Degenhardt died on

November 1, 2019, at the age of 94; and WHEREAS, Frank William Degenhardt is survived by his lovely wife, Jessie; sons, William, George, and Dwight; daughter, Roberta; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; 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 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, Frank William Degenhardt 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 Radioman Third Class Frank William Degenhardt 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 Radioman Third Class Frank William Degenhardt.