Senate Resolution No. 1432

BY: Senator HINCHEY

COMMENDING Robert E. Gabe 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 Robert E.
Gabe 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 February 21, 1926, to Joseph and Ethel Gabe in
Syracuse, New York, Robert E. Gabe attended Hudson Central School
District where he graduated from high school in 1944; he subsequently
received a business degree from Albany Business College in 1988; and

WHEREAS, Robert E. Gabe proudly served his country as a member of
the United States Army from May of 1944 until his retirement in
September of 1970; his selfless 26 years of service spanned three wars:
World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, After basic training at Camp Wolter, Texas, Robert E. Gabe
was assigned to Company C, 9th Armor Infantry Battalion, 6th Armored
Division where he saw action in Bastogne on December 26, 1944; he
returned to the states after the war ended in 1945; and

WHEREAS, During the Korean War, Robert E. Gabe was promoted to
Master Sergeant and on September 18, 1948, while serving as acting
platoon sergeant with Company F, he was wounded and evacuated to the
states; and

WHEREAS, Upon recovery, Robert E. Gabe was promoted to 1st Sergeant
and assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia; in the ensuing years (1952-55),
Robert E. Gabe served as Intelligence Sergeant with the 5th Infantry in
Augsburg, Germany; he then volunteered for Airborne Training and was
assigned to the 505th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division; and

WHEREAS, This brave soldier went on to serve as Platoon Sergeant in
Erlangen, Germany, followed by Battalion Intelligence Sergeant, before
being reassigned to the 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment at Fort Bragg,
North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, Volunteering for the Special Forces, 1st Sergeant Robert E.
Gabe served in Vietnam until May 11, 1965, when he was wounded and

evacuated to Walter Reed Hospital; he was then assigned to the 10th
Special Forces in Bad Tolz, Germany, then to the 7th Special Forces in
Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and finally with the 82nd Airborne Division
as an Intelligence Officer (acting) until his retirement; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous military service, Robert E. Gabe was
awarded the World War II, Korea, Vietnam 3rd Award Combat Infantryman
Badge; Bronze Star Medal w/V and 2/0LC; Purple Heart w/2 OLC; Master
Parachute Badge; German and Vietnamese Parachute Badge; New York State
Conspicuous Service Cross; 5 Good Conduct Medals; and several service
ribbons covering his service in three wars; and

WHEREAS, Robert E. Gabe and the former Joyce Webster were united in
marriage on March 20, 1971, in Stottville, New York, and together they
raised three daughters, Diane, Shirley and Rosalee, and one stepson,
Donald Coons; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Valatie, New York, Robert E. Gabe worked as a
Postmaster in Albany for 17 years; he died on May 20, 2023, at the age
of 97, and is buried at Saratoga National Cemetery; 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

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Robert E. Gabe 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 Robert E. Gabe 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 Robert E. Gabe.