Honor Orien J. Race

Senate Resolution No. 803 BY: Senator HINCHEY COMMENDING Orien J. Race 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 peace- time, deserve a special salute from this esteemed Body; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Orien J. Race 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; the Columbia County Honor a Veteran committee will be honoring Orien J. Race at their ceremony on Monday, April 28, 2025; 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 19, 1919 to John and Bessie Race in East Taconic, New York, Orien J. Race grew up in Columbia County and attended the Hudson School District; and WHEREAS, Orien J. Race entered the United States Army on July 24,

1942, after basic training at Camp Upton, New York; he received advanced training and was assigned as a duty soldier to the European Theater of Operations on February 9, 1944; and WHEREAS, Earning the rank of Private First-Class (PFC), Orien J. Race served with the Army Air Corps in the Headquarters Co, 92nd Bomb Group H in Europe; and WHEREAS, Orien J. Race's unit spearheaded the missions in the Ardennes in Central Europe, Normandy in northern France, and the Rhineland in Germany; and WHEREAS, The 92nd Bomb Group H was a part of the intense campaign of heavy bombing against German aircraft industry, V-weapon sites, enemy airfields, oil and transportation facilities, marshalling yards, as well as industrial targets in France, Germany, and Belgium; the unit also supported the D-Day landing, the airborne assault in Holland, and the Battle of the Bulge; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service, PFC Orien J. Race was awarded the American Service Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal; and WHEREAS, Orien J. Race returned to the United States on November 9,

1949, and the couple raised ten children together; he worked as a farmer in Columbia County, New York, at both Tim's Farm in Ancram, NY and later at Meltz Lumber in Mellenville, NY; and WHEREAS, Orien J. Race died on January 2, 1996, in Stottville, New York at the age of 76 and left behind three sons, Michael, Oren, and Scot; two daughters, Daen, and Debbie; 14 grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren; 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, Orien J. Race 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 Orien J. Race 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 Orien J. Race.