LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Harold James Smith 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, 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, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Harold James
Smith 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, to be celebrated at the Columbia County Honor-A-
Vet Ceremony on October 26, 2015; 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, Harold James Smith was born to Edgar and Elizabeth (Storm)
Smith on November 23, 1925, in Hudson, New York, where he attended both
elementary and high school; and
WHEREAS, On March 8, 1944, Harold James Smith enlisted in the United
States Army, and after the completion of basic training, he became an
Infantryman; and
WHEREAS, Private Harold James Smith was assigned to the 386th Infantry
Regiment in the European Theater of Operation on May 2, 1945; during
this time he participated in combat operations in the Rhineland (Germa-
ny) until the end of hostilities and then returned to the United States
on April 23, 1946, where he was honorably discharged on May 2, 1946; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his outstanding service, Harold James Smith
was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the Combat
Infantry Badge, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal,
and European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, as well as the World
War II Victory Medal; and
WHEREAS, Upon his re-entry into civilian life, Harold James Smith
returned to his hometown to complete high school where he met his future
wife Anna Concra; together, they were the proud parents of four wonder-
ful children, James, David, Harold, Jr., and Robert; and
WHEREAS, For over 25 years, Harold James Smith owned and operated A-Z
Cleaning Company in Hudson, New York; and
WHEREAS, A vital part of his community, this remarkable man was a
member of the Hudson Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Hudson Elks No.
787, as well as the Hudson American Legion, where he also held the posi-
tion of Treasurer for 20 years; and
WHEREAS, Harold James Smith died on December 12, 2012, at the age of
88, leaving behind his four beloved sons, five loving grandchildren, and
four treasured great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Harold James Smith 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 Harold James Smith posthumously upon the occasion of his desig-
nation 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 tran-
smitted to the family of Harold James Smith.