Senate Resolution No. 3077

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

HONORING Private First Class George H. Traver
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 peace-time, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Private
First Class (PFC) George H. Traver 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
Columbia County Honor A Deceased Veteran Ceremony on Monday, August 28,
2017; 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 May 7, 1918, to Charles Van and Nellie Virginia
Traver, George H. Traver attended Chatham High School; after graduation,
he served as a fireman on the Harlem Line, a Division of the New York
Central Railroad System; and

WHEREAS, On January 22, 1942, George H. Traver enlisted in the
United States Marine Corps where he completed his training as a
rifleman; he was then assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines,
2nd Marine Division; and

WHEREAS, PFC George H. Traver proudly served his country in the
South Pacific during World War II; on November 13, 1942, the team landed
on the Japanese-held island of Guadalcanal in the Soloman Islands in
support of the 1st Marine Division; and

WHEREAS, After being wounded during these combat operations, PFC
George H. Traver was sent to New Zealand for medical treatment; after
healing and resupplying, he and his team made a second landing on the
small island of the Betio in the Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands;
and

WHEREAS, On November 20, 1942, the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines made
an amphibious landing on Red Beach 3; under intense fire, the Marines
waded ashore incurring heavy losses; that afternoon, PFC George H.
Traver gave the ultimate sacrifice at the age of 25; and

WHEREAS, PFC George H. Traver, along with thousands of his fellow
marines were buried on the Island of Betio; his remains, which were
located in "The Lost Cemetery", were exhumed along with 35 fellow
Marines in June of 2015; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service, PFC George H. Traver was
posthumously awarded the Purple Heart with Gold Cluster, Asiatic Pacific
Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Sharp
Shooters Medal and a Presidential Unit Citation; 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,
PFC George H. Traver 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 Private First Class George H. Traver 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 Private First Class George H. Traver.