J 485: Commending Sergeant William R. Anderson, Jr. 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. 485 BY: Senator HINCHEY COMMENDING Sergeant William R. Anderson, Jr. 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 Sergeant William R. Anderson, Jr. 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, Born November 6, 1946, to William Roy Anderson and Florence (Braisley) Anderson in Danbury, Connecticut, William Roy Anderson, Jr. attended Danbury schools and received his GED while in the service; and WHEREAS, William Roy Anderson, Jr., affectionately known as Bill, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on April 28, 1966, in Danbury; after basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, he received additional training in both Aviation Electronics (1967) and High School GED (1969) in Pensacola, Florida, as well as Auto Flight Control Systems, in Cherry Point, North Carolina; and WHEREAS, Sergeant William R. Anderson, Jr. was assigned to Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 16, Marine Air Group 16, 1st Marine Air Wing Fleet Marine Force- (H&MS, MAG-16, MAW, FMF); he valiantly served two tours of duty in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War; and WHEREAS, On his last tour, Sergeant William R. Anderson, Jr. was wounded and sent to the Special Unit No. 1, Casualty Company, Headquarters & Service Battalion at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton; he was honorably discharged on May 4, 1970; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, Sergeant William R. Anderson, Jr. was awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal with 5 Stars, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 5 Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Good Conduct Medal and Marksman Badge; and WHEREAS, William R. Anderson, Jr. returned home and served as a pilot and airplane mechanic, working for Cawly Aviation in La Grandville, New York; and WHEREAS, Active in his community, William R. Anderson, Jr. was a member of the Disabled Veterans, the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association and the Kalicoontie Rod & Gun Club; he also participated in Project Appleseed as a marksman and instructor, and taught about the Revolutionary War; and WHEREAS, William R. Anderson, Jr. loved fast cars, airplanes and guitars, and is remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather; and WHEREAS, William R. Anderson, Jr. died on January 20, 2024, at the age of 77, and was buried in the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery in Saratoga; he left behind his wife, Barbara, three children: Laurie, William, Melissa, two stepchildren: Adam and Amber Nolen, six grandchildren, and four 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 risked 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, Sergeant William R. Anderson, Jr. 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 Sergeant William R. Anderson, Jr. 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 Sergeant William R. Anderson, Jr.