LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John J. Goot posthumously upon the occa-
sion 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 peace-
time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, The dedication and sacrifices of our military personnel
ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of
democracy, and is a defender of liberty for peoples throughout the
world; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John J. Goot
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; he will be honored at a ceremony on Monday, July 7,
2014, at the American Legion Joseph E. Zaloga Post No. 1520, Albany, New
York; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by a
resolution in 2014 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 J. Goot was born on December 21, 1921, in Cohoes, New
York; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished veteran enlisted in the United States Army
on November 25, 1939, and served his country honorably as an infantry
rifleman and squad leader during World War II; he saw combat at numerous
places throughout the Pacific Theater and was wounded in battle at
Saipan Island on July 4, 1944; and
WHEREAS, After the war, John J. Goot re-enlisted in the army, achiev-
ing such esteemed ranks as First Sergeant, Supply Sergeant, and Master
Sergeant; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and medals, John J. Goot has
been decorated with the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Presidential
Distinguished Unit Citation, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Ameri-
can Defense Service Medal, and numerous other accolades for his
outstanding service; and
WHEREAS, After his honorable discharge in 1962, John J. Goot was a
devoted member of his community; he was a member of the Minerva Ridge
runners, the Cohoes American Legion, St. Joseph's Men's Club, the Cohoes
Sons of Poland, and Tibbet's Cadets; 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 their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their 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
honor John J. Goot posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an indi-
vidual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of John J. Goot.