LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Charles M. Odell upon the occasion of
his selection as a member of the Owasco Veterans Roll of Honor

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, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Charles M. Odell upon the occasion of his selection as a member of the
Owasco Veterans Roll of Honor; 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, Charles M. Odell honorably served as private first class in
the United States Army during World War II; and
WHEREAS, On New Year's Eve 1943, Charles M. Odell married Lois Lowery
at Calvary Presbyterian Church; in May of that year, just a few months
after their marriage, he was stationed at Fort Niagara, New York in
training; and
WHEREAS, Charles M. Odell's valiant service to our nation brought him
overseas to Normandy, Rhineland, northern France, central Europe, and
finally, Ardennes during the tumultuous Battle of the Bulge; during his
time in France, he helped to close the liberation of Paris; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, exeptional circumstances during battle placed
Charles M. Odell in charge of the supply of 105 machine guns mounted on
carriers whose purpose was to destroy the opposition's tanks; and
WHEREAS, For his extraordinary heroism in connection with military
operations against an enemy of the United States, Charles M. Odell
received the auspicious European Theater Ribbon with five stars; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he is the proud recipient of the Good Conduct
Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign
Medal with one silver star, Honorable Service Lapel Button, and the
Sharpshooter Badge with auto rifle bar, rifle bar and submachine gun
bar; and
WHEREAS, On November 1, 1945, Charles M. Odell returned to the United
States and built a home on Melrose Road in Auburn, New York; for more
than two decades he was a stalwart member of the National Guard, march-
ing in every parade for those 23 years, proudly carrying the American
Flag; and
WHEREAS, Today, Charles M. Odell is 100 years old and resides at the
Finger Lakes Center for Living in Auburn, New York; 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,
Charles M. Odell has demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of this state and nation; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is very pleased to have this opportu-
nity to express its gratitude to the men and women of the United States

Armed Forces for their tremendous sacrifices made for our nation and for
the benefit of all Americans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Charles M. Odell upon the occasion of his selection as a member of
the Owasco Veterans Roll of Honor; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Charles M. Odell.