Senate Resolution No. 1042

BY: Senator HINCHEY

COMMENDING Michael J. Cox 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 Michael
J.Cox 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, Michael J. Cox is being honored by the Columbia County
Honor a Veteran Committee during their monthly Honor A Veteran Ceremony;
and

WHEREAS, Michael J. Cox was born December 11, 1946, to George and
Helen Cox in Troy, New York, and graduated from Ichabod Crane High
School in 1964; and

WHEREAS, He attended the Albany Business College for two years,
majoring in Accounting prior to military service; and

WHEREAS, Michael J. Cox entered the United States Army on August 14,
1967; after attending basic training, he was assigned to HHC 2nd
Battalion, 47th Infantry Mechanized, 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division
in Binh Phuoc, Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Vietnam War, Michael
J. Cox was awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal,
Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the National Defense
Service Medal; and

WHEREAS, After having served his tour of duty in South Vietnam and
Cambodia, Specialist 5 Michael J. Cox returned to the United States on
August 7, 1970, and later married his cherished wife, Mary-Eileen Cox;
together, they raised their two beloved children, Michael, and Bridget;
and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Michael J. Cox was a member of the
VFW, St. James Catholic Church in Chatham, New York, local community
theater, namely, the Ghent Playhouse, and was supportive of the arts;
and

WHEREAS, Michael J. Cox died on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at the age
of 78; 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,
Michael J. Cox 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 J. Cox 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 J. Cox.