Senate Resolution No. 5924

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

COMMENDING Joseph G. Campbell 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 commend Joseph G.
Campbell 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

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, Joseph G. Campbell and his twin brother, John, were born in
Colonie, New York on September 1, 1911, two of nine children, to James
and Mary (Martley) Campbell; he graduated from St. John's Academy in
Rensselaer in 1930; and

WHEREAS, Joseph G. Campbell began his military service as a member
of the United States Army on March 3, 1944, in Fort Dix, New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, Assigned to Company B, 14th Infantry, Joseph G. Campbell
served as a rifleman in combat with the 71st Division; using an M1 rifle
to take and hold enemy positions, this brave soldier was often given the
tremendous responsibility of acting as first scout; and

WHEREAS, Proficient in the use of other infantry weapons such as
machine guns and mortar, Joseph G. Campbell valiantly served in France
and Germany for 12 months; and

WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, Joseph G.
Campbell received the European-African-Middle Eastern (EAME) Service
Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal; in addition, he
received battle stars for the Rhineland and Central Germany campaigns;
and

WHEREAS, Joseph G. Campbell was honorably discharged from the United
States Army on January 16, 1946, at the esteemed rank of Private First
Class; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Joseph G.
Campbell worked as the owner and operator of Campbell's Sunoco Service
Station in Rensselaer for more than 45 years; and

WHEREAS, Joseph G. Campbell married his loving wife, Henrietta
(Matson) Campbell on September 19, 1938; together, they raised three
wonderful daughters, Barbara, Carol Susan, and Deborah; and

WHEREAS, An accomplished fisherman, Joseph G. Campbell was a member
of the Gerald O'Neil VFW Post, the E.F. Hart Hose No. 3 Volunteer Fire
Department, and the Knights of Columbus, all in Rensselaer; and

WHEREAS, Joseph G. Campbell was the proud grandfather of seven
grandchildren, Kathleen, Sheila, Janice, Elizabeth, James, Eileen and
David as well as 11 great-grandchildren, Joseph, Ethan, Christopher,
Rory Joseph, Mackenzie, Emma, Sarah, John, Gavin, Maci and Michael; and

WHEREAS, Joseph G. Campbell died on February 16, 1988, and is buried
in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in East Greenbush, New York; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Joseph G. Campbell 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 Joseph G. Campbell 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 Joseph G. Campbell.