Senate Resolution No. 3124

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

COMMENDING James A. Dawson 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 commend James A.
Dawson 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, November 27, 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, James A. Dawson was born on March 6, 1920, to Robert and
Anne (Armstrong) Dawson in Mt. Vernon, New York; he was raised in
Hillsdale, New York, where he graduated from Roeliff Jansen High School
in June of 1938; later, he majored in agriculture at the State
University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at
Cobleskill; and

WHEREAS, James A. Dawson was drafted into the United States Army on
August 4, 1944; after successfully completing both basic training and
advanced infantry training, he was assigned to the 358th Infantry
Battalion as a machine gunner in the European Theater of Operation; and

WHEREAS, On February 10, 1945, while engaged with enemy forces in
the Battle of the Bulge, Tech Sergeant James A. Dawson was severely
wounded by artillery fragmentation, and subsequently, evacuated to
England for medical treatment; after recovering from his wounds, he was
assigned to the 398th Military Police Battalion in France; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, Tech
Sergeant James A. Dawson was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, WWII
Victory Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good
Conduct Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge; and

WHEREAS, After his discharge on July 26, 1946, James A. Dawson
returned to Columbia County and married Carolyn Lossow on September 19,
1948, in Hillsdale, New York; together, the couple raised three
children; and

WHEREAS, Over the next three decades, James A. Dawson worked as a
farmer, milk tester, truck driver, and performed highway maintenance for
Columbia County Solid Waste, the position from which he retired after 20
years of service; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his community, James A. Dawson served as a
Mason, a member of the Hillsdale VFW, and a communicant of the North
Hillsdale Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, James A. Dawson died on May 27, 2017, at the age of 97; he
is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carolyn; his two sons, James and
John; one daughter, Bonnie; four grandchildren, and five
great-grandchildren; 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,
James A. Dawson 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
commend James A. Dawson 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 James A. Dawson.