J 2377: Commending 1st Lieutenant John A. Mancini 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

 Senate Resolution No. 2377 BY: Senator TEDISCO COMMENDING 1st Lieutenant John A. Mancini 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 Legislative Body; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend 1st Lieutenant John A. Mancini 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, 1st Lieutenant John A. Mancini is being honored by the Saratoga County Honor a Veteran Committee during their Honor a Veteran Ceremony; and WHEREAS, John A. Mancini was born on April 23, 1919, in Ballston Lake, New York, to Angelo and Maria; and WHEREAS, At a young age, John A. Mancini suffered from tuberculosis, making him weaker than other boys his age; he was later sent to live with Parish Priest Daniel Hogan to get additional help and support; and WHEREAS, While living with Father Daniel Hogan, John A. Mancini was a part of Father Daniel Hogan's boxing school; at Ballston Lake High School, he excelled in his academics and served as class president during his last two years; and WHEREAS, After completing high school, John A. Mancini attended Siena College for two years, which is when his love for flying grew; he participated in Siena Aviation Club's Civil Aeronautics Training School and learned to fly out of Albany Airport; and WHEREAS, John A. Mancini bravely joined the United States Army Air Corps on October 31, 1941, in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, As a trained pilot, John A. Mancini was assigned to the 17th Photographic Squadron, 4th Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group, 13th Air Force; his primary responsibility was to conduct photographic and visual searches in the Pacific region during World War II, in addition to occasionally transporting high-ranking officers and officials; and WHEREAS, On April 22, 1943, John A. Mancini departed from Guadalcanal for a photo recon mission on a Lockheed F5 Lightning aircraft despite there being reports of thunderheads and squall lines in the area; during this mission, John A. Mancini's aircraft went off radar, and he was never heard from again; and WHEREAS, John A. Mancini was listed as missing in action after this flight, and was later declared deceased on December 17, 1945; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service in the United States Army Air Corps, John A. Mancini was awarded the Air Medal and the Purple Heart; 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, John A. Mancini 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 1st Lieutenant John A. Mancini 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 1st Lieutenant John A. Mancini.