LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John C. Cordato 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 John C. Corda-
to 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 on Monday, April 25, 2016, at Colum-
bia County's Honor-A-Deceased Veteran Ceremony; 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, John C. Cordato was born to John and Molly (deJoy) Cordato on
October 12, 1932, in Hudson, New York, and attended the Hudson City
School District; and
WHEREAS, Upon his mother's death, he enlisted in the United States
Army; after his initial training, John C. Cordato served his country in
Korea during the Korean War; and
WHEREAS, John C. Cordato returned home and on July 1, 1956, he married
the former Alice Platner; for the next 10 years, he worked for Lone Star
Cement Plant in Hudson, New York, where he and Alice raised their son
John, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, In 1966, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was
trained as an equipment operator with the Seabees; on January 9, 1970,
EO2 John C. Cordato was honorably discharged from the Navy whereupon he
enlisted a second time in the Army; and
WHEREAS, For the next 11 years, Staff Sergeant John C. Cordato worked
with the Army Corps of Engineers traveling to and from the states and
twice to the Republic of Vietnam; and
WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant John C. Cordato was the recipient of numerous
awards and commendations for his proficiency and gallantry while in
service to his county, including: Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service
Ribbon, National Defense Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Republic of Viet-
nam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service
Medal, Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Presidential
Unit Citation (Army), Presidential Unit Citation (Navy), Army of Occupa-
tion Medal (Germany), Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver and 1 Bronze
Service Star, Army Good Conduct Medal with Silver 1 Loop, Army Achieve-
ment Medal, Expert Rifle Badge, Republic of Vietnam Engineer Badge, Army
Commendation Medal and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his employment with Lone Star Cement Plant,
John C. Cordato worked for Providence Hall and Columbia Greene Community
College; and
WHEREAS, Giving back to the community where he both worked and lived,
John C. Cordato was a member of the VFW, American Legion and Hudson Elks
No. 787, as well as a 50 year member and Past Treasurer of Washington
Hose; he was also a communicant of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in
Hudson, New York; and

WHEREAS, John C. Cordato died on February 28, 2011, at the age of 78,
and is buried in Cedar Park Cemetery, Hudson, New York; and
WHEREAS, John C. Cordato is survived by his loving wife, Alice Corda-
to, his son, John Cordato, Jr., two grandchildren and five great grand-
children; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, John
C. Cordato 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 John C. Cordato 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; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of John C. Cordato.