Senate Resolution No. 805

BY: Senator HINCHEY

COMMENDING Michael De Benedictus 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 Michael De
Benedictus 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; this prestigious honor will be
awarded at the Historic Catskill Point Warehouse in Catskill, New York,
on Saturday, May 3, 2025; 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, Michael De Benedictus was born on July 4, 1930, in the
Village of Catskill, New York; he graduated from St. Patrick's Academy
High School in 1947; shortly after leaving high school, he entered a
brief civilian occupation as a salesperson at Lerner's Department Store
before his military service; and

WHEREAS, On September 13, 1948, Michael De Benedictus entered the
United States Army; Private First Class De Benedictus was a member of
Company F, 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regimental Combat Team,
commissioned to fight in the Korean War; and

WHEREAS, While fighting the enemy at the Pusan Perimeter, South
Korea, on September 9,1950, PFC Michael De Benedictus gave the ultimate
sacrifice for his country; and

WHEREAS, For his bravery, selflessness, and proud service on behalf
of his fellow Americans, Michael De Benedictus was honored with the
Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Korean Presidential Unit
Citation, Korean War Service Medal, Republic of Korea War Service Medal,
United Nations Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal; and

WHEREAS, For the community service and good deeds that Michael De
Benedictus could and would have done if he had not lost his life in
service and defense of his country, this Legislative Body would like to
honor him and his service; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism, both at home and abroad,
Michael De Benedictus 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 Michael De Benedictus 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 Michael De Benedictus.