Senate Resolution No. 2683

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

HONORING Howard R. Older 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
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

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 peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Howard R.
Older 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 presented at the Saratoga County
Honor-A-Deceased-Veteran Ceremony on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at the
County Building, Ballston Spa, 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, Howard R. Older was born on October 20, 1915, in the Town
of Galway, New York, to Benjamin and Martha Older; and

WHEREAS, Howard R. Older and Helen May Taft were united in marriage
on August 13, 1939, and had two children, William and Alice; he was
employed by the American Locomotive Company as a Bench Hand, and was a
member of the Middle Grove Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, On January 10, 1944, Howard R. Older entered into service
with the United States Army; he trained at Camp Wheeler, and was
assigned to the 314th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division; and

WHEREAS, Howard R. Older shipped overseas to fight in France and
Germany on July 13, 1944; just one month after D-Day during the Normandy
campaign, the 314th Infantry Regiment and its parent 79th Infantry
Division helped capture the French port of Cherbourg, which was pivotal
to the success of the D-Day invasion; and

WHEREAS, As part of General George S. Patton's 3rd Army, Howard R.
Older and the 314th Infantry Regiment was the first across the Seine
River and was instrumental in the liberation of France; later in the
winter of 1944, the Germans launched their massive counter offensive
known as the Battle of the Bulge, and the 314th Infantry was again in
the middle of fierce fighting; and

WHEREAS, On January 25, 1945, Howard R. Older was killed in action
while the Division was positioned south of Haguenau on the Moder River

in France; he was listed as MIA until February 13, 1945, when evidence
confirming his death was received; and

WHEREAS, Howard R. Older was a Staff Sergeant at the time of his
death, and was awarded the Purple Heart and The Combat Infantryman Badge
for his valiant military service; 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,
Howard R. Older 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 Howard R. Older 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
transmitted to the family of Howard R. Older.