Senate Resolution No. 1425

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING William J. Falk 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 the members of this State
and Nation; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend William J.
Falk 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, William J. Falk, one of four sons, was born on August 20,
1923, to parents, Norbert and Margaret, in Utica, New York; at the
remarkable age of 100, he now resides in Clinton, New York; and

WHEREAS, During World War II, William J. Falk served in the United
States Army Signal Corps, 593rd Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion, in
the European Theater of Operations (ETO); the Signal Aircraft Warning
(SAW) Battalions were among the first in the United States Army to use
RADAR in the war, providing tactical support to air command units that
directed the Allies' fighters to their targets and bolstering front-line
infantry; and

WHEREAS, The 593rd Battalion landed in Naples, Italy, in March of
1944, providing support for the post-Anzio-related operations as well as
the Rome-Arno Campaign with the United States Fifth Army; and

WHEREAS, Later reassigned to the Seventh Army/VI (Sixth) Army Corps,
William J. Falk, along with the battalion, landed on the beaches of
France, marched across the country in November 1944, as part of the
Allied countries' forces that resisted the German Ardennes Offensive,
and later recaptured Strasbourg, France; and

WHEREAS, With Germany's surrender in May of 1945, William J. Falk
remained in Europe, preparing for his assignment to the Pacific; after
almost three years in the European Theater, he finally returned home due
to the surrender of Japan; and

WHEREAS, A family of proud servicemen, William J. Falk's brothers
also fought for the freedom of the world; the eldest, Sam, served in the
United States Army in Alaska; Howard joined the Navy, serving in the
Pacific fleet; Jack, the youngest, served in General George S. Patton's
89th Division; fortunately, all four siblings returned home; and


WHEREAS, On September 6, 1947, William J. Falk married his beloved
wife, Lucille; together they are the proud parents of three daughters,
Janice, Martha, and MaryAnn, as well as four sons, Peter, Stephen,
Michael, and Eric; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
William J. Falk 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 William J. Falk 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 William J. Falk.