LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Joseph Henry Ptaszek 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 Joseph Henry
Ptaszek 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-
Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on Monday, November 28, 2016; 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, Born on August 11, 1915, in Upper Red Hook, New York, Joseph
Henry Ptaszek was the son of Michael and Nellie Ptaszek; in 1934, he
enrolled in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a public work relief
program out of Boston Corners, New York; he also worked as a millwright;
and
WHEREAS, On January 4, 1943, Joseph Henry Ptaszek began his service to
his country as a member of the United States Army; following the
completion of his basic training where he qualified as a sharpshooter
with the M1, and after receiving additional training on the 90mm gun,
Gunnery Technician Fourth Class Joseph Henry Ptaszek was assigned to
Headquarters Battery, Harbor Defense of Boston, Fort Banks, Massachu-
setts; and
WHEREAS, Serving in the military police, Joseph Henry Ptaszek was the
gun commander on a 90mm gun crew which consisted of 13 men; he was
charged with the responsibility of loading, firing, supervising mainte-
nance, controlling operations and tactical employment of the gun and
crew; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Henry Ptaszek's 90mm fixed/mobile gun was used in
defense of Boston Harbor against enemy aircraft, mechanized forces and
small naval vessels; collaborating with scientists from Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, he trained the first gunnery crew to use
radar-assisted artillery for the United States Army; and
WHEREAS, On March 25, 1946, Joseph Henry Ptaszek was honorably
discharged at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, and served the next 10 years
in the Naval Reserves of the Third Naval District; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his outstanding service, Joseph Henry
Ptaszek was awarded the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, Victory Medal,
Good Conduct Medal and Sharpshooter Medal; and
WHEREAS, Upon his re-entry into civilian life, Joseph Henry Ptaszek
met Nellie Jenowich of Taghkanic, New York, and the couple was united in
marriage on June 1, 1952; together they opened the Joe-Nel Trailer Park
in Greenport, New York, and later purchased The Red Mill in Claverack,
New York, where they opened an antique shop; and
WHEREAS, A vital part of his community, this remarkable man was a
member of the Columbia County Ukrainian Baseball Team, a life member of
the Greenport Fire Company #1, the Hudson Carpenters Local, serving as

President for 40 years, the Polish Sportsman's Club for 67 years as well
as the Old Time Power Association Engine Club serving for 36 years; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Henry Ptaszek died on March 29, 2013, at the age of
97; predeceased by his wife, Nellie, he is survived by his daughter,
Paula, as well as two grandchildren, Joseph and Nelley; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Joseph Henry Ptaszek 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 Joseph Henry Ptaszek 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 Joseph Henry Ptaszek.