Senate Resolution No. 5933

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

COMMENDING Gilbert J. Gregory, Jr. 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 Gilbert J.
Gregory, Jr. 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, Gilbert John Gregory Jr. was born to Gilbert J. and Mabel
(Norton) Gregory on December 18, 1935, in Providence, Rhode Island where
he attended school until the 11th grade; and

WHEREAS, Shortly thereafter, Gilbert J. Gregory Jr. entered the
United States Navy on June 22, 1954; upon the successful completion of
basic training, he received additional training as an Aviation Boatswain
Mate and briefly served in the Naval Reserves; and

WHEREAS, On September 10, 1958, BM2nd Class Gilbert J. Gregory, Jr.
reenlisted at the United States Naval Recruiting Station in New York
City, and was subsequently assigned to duty on the USS Saratoga
(CVA-60); and

WHEREAS, Having qualified as an aircraft flight orderly on the
C-118B, Aviation BM2nd Gilbert J. Gregory, Jr. once again reenlisted on
August 14, 1964, at Pawtuxet River, Maryland; on December 27, 1964, he
was assigned to duty on the USS Lexington (CVS -16); and

WHEREAS, While onboard the Lady Lex, Aviation BM2nd Gilbert J.
Gregory, Jr. was severely injured during touch and go landings and
takeoffs with naval aircraft; after extensive hospitalization at several
naval hospitals, he was placed on the temporary disability retirement
list on June 17, 1968; and

WHEREAS, After 13 years, 11 months, and seven days, Aviation BM2nd
Class Gilbert J. Gregory, Jr. was officially retired on March 1, 1971,
at the United States Naval Station in Brooklyn with a disability
pension; and


WHEREAS, For his meritorious service, Aviation BM2nd Class Gilbert
J. Gregory, Jr. was awarded the National Defense Ribbon; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Gilbert J.
Gregory, Jr. returned home and lived in Nassau Lake, New York, where he
and his first wife raised five children; on October 29, 1988, he married
his second wife Carolyn in East Greenbush, New York; and

WHEREAS, During his well-deserved retirement, Gilbert J. Gregory,
Jr. enjoyed assembling wooden ship models and was an active member of
the Stephentown Veterans; and

WHEREAS, Gilbert J. Gregory, Jr. died on March 27, 2017, at the age
of 81; he is survived by his second wife, Carolyn; seven children,
Darleen, Donna, Debra, Kevin, Dawn, Edward and Michael; 12 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,
Gilbert J. Gregory, Jr. 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 Gilbert J. Gregory, Jr. 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 Gilbert J. Gregory, Jr.