LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Roland V. Balch 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 Roland V.
Balch 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 a Ceremony on Veteran's Day, November
11, 2015, at the Temple Baptist Church, Halfmoon, New York; 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, Roland V. Balch grew up in Syracuse, New York; after leaving
high school, he worked at a foundry for a period of time; and
WHEREAS, In 1943, Roland V. Balch joined the United States Army, and
trained as an Infantryman; after a year of preparation and service
stateside, he was sent to the European Theatre of Operations, and
arrived in Belgium in February of 1945; and
WHEREAS, Roland V. Balch was assigned to Company C, 38th Infantry
Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, and participated in fighting in Belgi-
um, crossed the Rhine into Germany, and helped to hold the Bridge at
Remagen; in early April his unit moved into central Germany and headed
east toward Czechoslovakia and Central Europe; and
WHEREAS, In late April of 1945, Roland V. Balch was wounded in action
as his unit moved to hold positions along the Germany-Czechoslovakia
border; just days later, Germany surrendered and the World celebrated
V-E Day; and
WHEREAS, Roland V. Balch departed for home on July 13, 1945, and
arrived in New York Harbor with his comrades seven days later; upon his
separation from Active Duty at Fort Dix, New Jersey, on April 14, 1946,
he went to work for International Harvester; and
WHEREAS, During that time, Roland V. Balch went back to school and
earned his high school diploma; in addition, he took some correspondence
courses in Accounting, and then transferred to the Harvester plant in
the Capital District, where he was employed until his retirement; and
WHEREAS, Roland V. Balch earned several medals and accolades for his
exceptional military service including the American Campaign Medal, the
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal,
and Combat Infantryman Badge, as well as the Purple Heart; and
WHEREAS, Roland V. Balch is a faithful member of Temple Baptist
Church, Halfmoon, New York, where he serves as a favorite usher; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his loving wife, Kathy, and
their two devoted sons, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his
life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Roland V. Balch demonstrated his love for his country and merits forev-
ermore 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 Roland V. Balch 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 tran-
smitted to Roland V. Balch.