J 2369: Commending James Crifo 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

 Senate Resolution No. 2369 BY: Senator ROLISON COMMENDING James Crifo 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 Legislative Body; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend James Crifo 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, James Crifo, with the knowledge and skills of an electrician, was enlisted as a member of the 101st Airborne Division as a communication specialist; and WHEREAS, Shortly after midnight on D-Day, James Crifo and the 101st Airborne Division dropped behind Utah Beach and secured the town of Saint-Mere Eglise, France and the roads passing through it; as a communications specialist, he was in the first echelon of those who landed; and WHEREAS, James Crifo, playing a vital role in the war effort, was transferred to glider assault where he manned a glider that carried a pilot, six soldiers, and a trailer of communications equipment; upon his landing, he was captured by German soldiers and taken as a prisoner of war; and WHEREAS, After being relocated multiple times, James Crifo found himself in a work camp; after falling ill, he was transferred to a German hospital and liberated thereafter in May of 1945; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, James Crifo was awarded the French government's highest civilian or military honor, the "Legion d'honneur"; and WHEREAS, James Crifo celebrated his 100th birthday in 2026; in taking time to reflect upon his military service and full life, he encourages others to practice kindness to others and to be grateful for life and its valuable freedoms; 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 risked and 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, James Crifo 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 James Crifo 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 James Crifo.