Honor Hero with Liberty Medal

Senate Resolution No. 805 BY: Senator HINCHEY COMMENDING Michael De Benedictus 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 Michael De Benedictus 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; this prestigious honor will be awarded at the Historic Catskill Point Warehouse in Catskill, New York, on Saturday, May 3, 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, Michael De Benedictus was born on July 4, 1930, in the Village of Catskill, New York; he graduated from St. Patrick's Academy High School in 1947; shortly after leaving high school, he entered a brief civilian occupation as a salesperson at Lerner's Department Store before his military service; and WHEREAS, On September 13, 1948, Michael De Benedictus entered the United States Army; Private First Class De Benedictus was a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regimental Combat Team, commissioned to fight in the Korean War; and WHEREAS, While fighting the enemy at the Pusan Perimeter, South Korea, on September 9,1950, PFC Michael De Benedictus gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country; and WHEREAS, For his bravery, selflessness, and proud service on behalf of his fellow Americans, Michael De Benedictus was honored with the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Korean War Service Medal, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal; and WHEREAS, For the community service and good deeds that Michael De Benedictus could and would have done if he had not lost his life in service and defense of his country, this Legislative Body would like to honor him and his service; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism, both at home and abroad, Michael De Benedictus 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 Michael De Benedictus 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 Michael De Benedictus.