Senate Resolution No. 2709

BY: Senator HINCHEY

COMMENDING Radioman 3rd Class Frank William
Degenhardt 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 esteemed Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Radioman
Third Class Frank William Degenhardt 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, This honor will be awarded to Radioman Third Class Frank
William Degenhardt by the Columbia County Honor a Veteran Committee at
the Columbia County Office Building in Hudson, New York, on Monday, June
10, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Frank William Degenhardt, was born to Frank and Mary
(O'Brian) Degenhardt in Mount Vernon, New York, on February 1, 1925; he
attended Minnie S. Graham Elementary School and A. B. Davis High School
where he graduated in 1942; and

WHEREAS, On February 18, 1943, Frank William Degenhardt enlisted in
the United States Navy in New York City; he completed his initial
training at the Recruit Station Training Center in Newport, Rhode
Island, and received additional training in radio communications in
Boston, Massachusetts, and Norton Heights, Connecticut; and

WHEREAS, Radioman Third Class (RM3) Frank W. Degenhardt, a member of
Unit 470 of the 7th Fleet, was commissioned to combat in the Pacific
Theater of Operations during World War II; he saw action in the
Admiralty Islands Campaign and the liberation of the Philippines; and

WHEREAS, For his service to this Nation, RM3 Frank W. Degenhardt
earned several awards, including the American Theatre Medal, Asiatic
Pacific Campaign Medal with one star, European Theatre Medal, Good
Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal
with Asia clasp, Philippine Liberation Medal with two stars, Honorable
Discharge Pin, and Honorable Service Lapel Pin; and

WHEREAS, On August 8, 1953, RM3 Frank W. Degenhardt married Jessie
Shute in Pelham, New York, and the couple raised four children in
Larchmont; and

WHEREAS, Frank William Degenhardt worked as Radio Technician and
Technical Director for ABC Television in New York City; his outstanding
work earned him recognition as an Emmy-winning Technical Director; and

WHEREAS, Although a resident of Larchmont, Frank William Degenhardt
remained active with the Mount Vernon Fire Company in the neighboring
City of Mount Vernon where he spent his childhood; and

WHEREAS, Upon his retirement in 1989, Frank William Degenhardt and
his wife, Jessie, moved to the family homestead in Gallatin, New York;
for four years, he served as Gallatin Town Judge; additionally, he was a
Member and Chaplain of the Red Hook-Rhinebeck Elks Lodge; and

WHEREAS, At his home in Gallatin, Frank William Degenhardt died on
November 1, 2019, at the age of 94; and

WHEREAS, Frank William Degenhardt is survived by his lovely wife,
Jessie; sons, William, George, and Dwight; daughter, Roberta; three
grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; 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 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,
Frank William Degenhardt 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 Radioman Third Class Frank William Degenhardt 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 Radioman Third Class Frank William
Degenhardt.