Senate Resolution No. 548

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Clarence W. Dart 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 the citizenry of this great
State; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Clarence
W. Dart 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, Clarence W. Dart was drafted in 1942, and entered the U.S.
Army Air Corps on August 27, 1942; he attended the Elmira Aviation
Ground School, then served as a member of the 332nd Fighter Group and
was assigned to the 99th Fighter Squadron in the 12th Air Force in North
Africa; and

WHEREAS, As one of the now famous Tuskegee Airman flying P-40s with
the 318th Army Air Force Unit Squadron F, Clarence W. Dart flew 95
missions and was shot down twice; he later flew P-51s escorting 15th Air
Force bombers; and

WHEREAS, Upon the occasion of his discharge from active duty at the
rank of Captain on January 3, 1947, Clarence W. Dart went on to serve in
the NY Air National Guard and retired at the rank of Lt. Colonel; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, Clarence W.
Dart was awarded two Purple Hearts for injuries sustained during air
combat, the Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross with 4 Oak Leaf
Clusters, the WWII Victory Medal, and the American Defense Medal, the
NYS Conspicuous Service Cross, and the NYS Conspicuous Service Star; and

WHEREAS, After his service, Clarence W. Dart attended the Aero
Industries Tech Institute in California, GE Flight Test School, and was
affiliated with Knolls Atomic Power Lab from 1949-1987 where he was a
Designing Draftsman; and

WHEREAS, Clarence W. Dart's post-service honors include the Elmira
Free Academy Wall of Fame and 43rd Senate District's inductee into the
New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, In March of 2007, Clarence W. Dart and fellow Tuskegee
Airmen were also recognized at the U.S. Capitol with the Congressional
Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor that Congress may bestow; and

WHEREAS, Clarence W. Dart was a noted guest speaker on Black history
at various local schools, colleges and universities, and his community
service included the Charlton School for Girls Trustee Board, the
Salvation Army Board, Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. Community Relations
Board, New York State Air Museum AIM High Program, and the finance
committees of both the Troy Conference of the United Methodist Church
and the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, of which he was a
devoted member; and

WHEREAS, Clarence W. Dart died on February 17, 2012, at the age of
91; 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,
Clarence W. Dart 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 Clarence W. Dart 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 Clarence W. Dart.