LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Peter Francis O'Brien 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, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Peter Francis
O'Brien 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, In 1944, Peter Francis O'Brien enlisted in the Naval
Reserves, and completed his basic training at the Naval Training
Station, Sampson, New York; he went on to attend the Basic Engineering
and Diesel School for 13 weeks in Gulfport, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, After successfully completing his training, Peter Francis
O'Brien was assigned to the Temporary Training Assigned Duty Center
(TADCEN), Shoemaker, California; in this capacity, he maintained both
landing and small craft engines, assisted with repairs to the USS Kidd
(DD-661), and was assigned to the minesweeper USS YMS-200 to clear mines
near Hiroshima and Kure, Japan; and
WHEREAS, On June 15, 1946, Peter Francis O'Brien was honorably
discharged from the United States Navy, attaining the rank of Motor
Machinist Mate Third Class Petty Officer (MoMM3); and
WHEREAS, Peter Francis O'Brien earned several awards and accolades for
his exceptional military service including the Victory Medal, American
Theatre Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Medal; and
WHEREAS, Born in East Jewett, New York, on August 8, 1926, to Thomas
and Mary O'Brien, Peter Francis O'Brien attended elementary, middle and
high school in the Hunter-Tannersville School District; and
WHEREAS, After his discharge from the military, Peter Francis O'Brien
returned to his hometown, and received his high school diploma from
Hunter-Tannersville High School; he then furthered his education by
attending the Technical Electricity Program at the New York Agricultural
and Technical Institute, Canton, New York, earning his degree in 1949;
and
WHEREAS, Peter Francis O'Brien was employed as a lead electrician in
Windham, New York; after the owner of the company died, Peter bought the
business from his widow; and
WHEREAS, In 1953, Peter Francis O'Brien and two other electricians
established Alva Electric; unfortunately, his partners passed away, and
in 1969, he and his family moved to Maplecrest, New York, where he
continues to work in the electrical field; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Joy, their four chil-
dren, Peter, Jr., Eileen, Michael, and Kathleen, as well as a stepson,
Bud, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in
his achievements; 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,
Peter Francis O'Brien 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
honor Peter Francis O'Brien 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 Peter Francis O'Brien.