Senate Resolution No. 2102

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING John Lawler 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 John
Lawler 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, celebrated on Tuesday, March 19, 2029, in
Ballston Spa, New York; 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, John Lawler was born on August 18, 1925, in Fort Edward,
New York, to James and Helen Lawler; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Waterford High School, John Lawler
entered into the United States Army on April 25, 1941, serving overseas
as a Reconnaissance Car Crewman and operating half-track recon vehicles
with a Tank Destroyer Battalion; and

WHEREAS, This brave soldier landed in Normandy and fought throughout
France and into Belgium; he valiantly fought in the Battle of the Bulge
in the Ardennes Region before moving on to Germany; he was then among
the first US troops to make their way into Czechoslovakia; and

WHEREAS, John Lawler ended the war in occupation duty, and was
eventually transferred to HQ Battery 398th Armored Field Artillery
Battalion for return to the United States and his well-earned honorable
discharge on September 28, 1945 at the Rank of Corporal; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the World War II, John
Lawler was awarded the American Defense Service Medal, the European
African Middle Eastern Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, John Lawler
returned to Waterford, New York, where he and his wife, Marjorie, raised
their four children, Thomas, John, Jean, and Judy; he retired from
Iroquois Millwork Company in Albany, where he worked as a truck driver
for more than 20 years; and

WHEREAS, John Lawler died on April 16, 1991, at the age of 65; 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,
John Lawler 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 John Lawler 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 John Lawler.