Senate Resolution No. 1439

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Bernard O. Shaw 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 peace time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Bernard O.
Shaw 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, to be presented at the Saratoga County Honor a
Deceased Veteran Ceremony on Tuesday, December 19, 2023; 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, Bernard O. Shaw was born in Ballston Spa on March 25, 1920,
to Aubrey and Tressa; raised in Gansevoort, he was the oldest of 5
children and attended South Glens Falls High School; and

WHEREAS, Prior to his service, Bernard O. Shaw worked picking up
coal at the local train tracks, as well as delivering ice from Bordon's
Milk Plant, and helping on his family's farm; and

WHEREAS, After entering in the United States Navy on December 11,
1941, Bernard O. Shaw proudly served his country during World War II as
a Machinist Mate working the engine rooms; he trained at Newport, Rhode
Island and was then shipped out to the Panama Canal Zone where he worked
at the Naval Air Station and Submarine Base at Coco Solo and Balboa; he
was later assigned to the USS Wiley, on which he served in the
Philippines, China, and Okinawa; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the conflict, Bernard O.
Shaw was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal,
the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon,
and the WWII Victory Medal; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on April 9,
1946, Bernard O. Shaw attended four years of agricultural school,
traveling to different farms every Sunday to learn new tricks of the
trade; he formerly purchased his family's farm in 1944 during his
military service; and

WHEREAS, Bernard O. Shaw, having lived a life of dedicated service,
was a volunteer firemen for Gansevoort; additionally, he was a member of
the Free Masons for 75 years, as well as the United Methodist Church;
and

WHEREAS, This esteemed veteran was an active member of his
community, being a lifetime member of the Ragged Mountain Fish and Game
Club, a Justice of the Peace for over 20 years, and was the Town Highway
Superintendent for 8 years, where he served on several town committees
over the years; and

WHEREAS, In 1947, Bernard O. Shaw married his beloved wife, Agnes
Ogden, to whom he was married for 71 cherished years before her passing
in 2019; together, they had four beloved children; and

WHEREAS, Bernard O. Shaw passed away on October 5, 2021, leaving
behind a lasting impact on all those he had the delight of getting to
know; 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,
Bernard O. Shaw 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 Bernard O. Shaw 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 Bernard O. Shaw.