Assembly Resolution No. 183

BY: M. of A. Woerner

COMMENDING Clarence W. Dart posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
by Saratoga County at its Honor a Deceased Veteran
Ceremony on March 21, 2023

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; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Clarence
W. Dart posthumously upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by Saratoga County at its Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony
to be celebrated on Tuesday, March 21, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Clarence W. Dart was born on December 6, 1920, in Elmira,
New York; the son of Clarence and Catherine Dart, he attended the Aero
Industries Tech Institute and the GE Flight Test School; and

WHEREAS, Clarence W. Dart enlisted in the United States Army Air
Corps and proudly served his country from 1942 to 1946 as a renowned
Tuskegee Airman; 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, the American Defense Medal, the NYS
Conspicuous Service Cross, and the NYS Conspicuous Service Star; and

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

WHEREAS, Receiving additional honors throughout his lifetime,
Clarence W. Dart was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans
Hall of Fame and into his high school alma mater, Elmira Free Academy's
Wall of Fame; and

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

WHEREAS, Clarence W. Dart, married his wife, Mildred, in 1950, and
spent his retirement years speaking at schools during Black History
Month and talking with students about the priority of education and the
importance of respect; and

WHEREAS, Devoting much of his time to supporting his community,
Clarence W. Dart served as a devoted Board Member of numerous
organizations, such as the Salvation Army, The Charlton School for
Girls, The New York State Air Museum, and the Saratoga Springs United
Methodist Church; 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 for special recognition by Saratoga County at its Honor a
Deceased Veteran Ceremony on March 21, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Clarence W. Dart.