LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Thomas L. Youngs upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by the State of New York for his
valiant service during World War II

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Thomas L.
Youngs, of Schoharie, New York, upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the State of New York for his valiant service
during World War II; he was honored at the Air Force Association Dinner
which was held on Friday, November 6, 2015, at the Albany Country Club,
Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, A hardworking farmer in the Town of Schoharie, New York,
Thomas L. Youngs proudly served his country as a member of the 26th
Infantry (Yankee) Division in the United States Army during World War
II; and
WHEREAS, On July 22, 1943, Thomas L. Youngs was inducted into the
United States Army, and was sent to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, for both
infantry and advanced artillery training; he then went on to train Army
infantry officers in the art of direct artillery fire at Fort Sill,
Oklahoma; and
WHEREAS, On July 2, 1944, Thomas L. Youngs left the United States and
flew to Scotland and Wales for more artillery training; he was then
deployed to France with the 241st Field Artillery Unit where he would
fight his way across the country to the city of Metz with General George
S. Patton's 3rd Army; and
WHEREAS, In December of 1944, Thomas L. Youngs was reassigned to the
328th Infantry Regiment and quickly became involved in the historic
Battle of the Bulge; his division moved north to Luxembourg from Decem-
ber 19-21, 1944, to take part in the Battle of the Ardennes break-
through; and
WHEREAS, One day later, the division successfully thwarted an attack
by German counterparts in Rambrouch and Grosbous; on Christmas day,
Thomas L. Youngs and his fellow soldiers captured Arsdorf, but were then
forced to withdraw in the face of German resistance; and
WHEREAS, After regrouping, the 328th Infantry Regiment crossed the
Wiltz River on January 20, 1945; the heroic men continued their advance,
taking Grumelscheid on January 21, 1945, and crossed the Clerf River
three days later; and
WHEREAS, Thomas L. Youngs was reassigned to the XX Corps and was imme-
diately moved to the East Bank of the Saar; the corps members maintained
defensive positions in the Saarlautern area from January 29-March 6,
1945; and
WHEREAS, On March 13, 1945, the XX Corps began their drive to the
Rhine River; the men crossed the river at Oppenheim on March 25-26; and
WHEREAS, After this successful assignment, Thomas L. Youngs became a
member of the XII Corps, where he took part in the house to house
reduction of Hanau, Germany, on March 28, 1945, breaking out of the main
river bridgehead and arriving at Fulda, Germany, on April 1, 1945; and
WHEREAS, Four days later, XII Corps helped procure Meiningen, Germany,
and then moved into Austria and assisted in the capture of Linz on May
5, 1945; and

WHEREAS, The division then changed the direction of its advance and
moved into Czechoslovakia after the cease-fire order was received; one
day later, along with the 11th Armored Division, the XII Corps liberated
the Gusen Concentration Camp; and
WHEREAS, On Victory in Europe (V-E) Day, Thomas L. Youngs began to
train for the invasion of Japan; in early 1946, at the young age of 23,
he returned to New York State, a decorated soldier; and
WHEREAS, For his exemplary military service on two continents in two
theaters of operations, Thomas L. Youngs was awarded numerous awards and
accolades including the Bronze Star Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal,
European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Medal with 1 Silver Service Star
for Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes-Alsace, Central Europe and
Rhineland Campaigns, WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal with
Germany Clasp, New York State Conspicuous Service Cross and Star; the
French Legion of Honor Insignia of Chevalier, Expert Marksman Badge with
Rifle (M-1) and Carbine Tabs, and Browning Automatic Rifle Tab, as well
as the Honorable Service Lapel Pin with Lozenge; and
WHEREAS, After his discharge, Thomas L. Youngs returned to farming in
his hometown, an occupation from which he retired at the age of 88; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to his community, Thomas L. Youngs held the position
of chairman of the Town of Schoharie Planning Board and was a vital
participant of the Farm Bureau, the 4H Club, and several other agricul-
tural committees; in addition, he was an esteemed member of the Veterans
Association of the 26th Infantry and a Life Member of the Disabled Amer-
ican Veterans; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his loving wife of 56 years,
Ella; and their four beloved children, Thomas E., Mary Ann, Frank A. and
James A.; as well as their seven treasured grandchildren, Daniel, Levi,
Travis, Matthew, Timothy, Patrick, and Shannon, all of whom feel privi-
leged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Thomas L. Youngs has 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; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
.SO DOC A R868 RESO TEXT 2015
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Thomas L. Youngs upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the State of New York for his valiant service during
World War II; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Thomas L. Youngs.