Senate Resolution No. 235

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING John H. Downing 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, 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 John H.
Downing 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 Veterans Ceremony on Tuesday, January 15, 2019; 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, John H. Downing, affectionately known to many as Jack, was
born to the late Loren and Catherine (Maxwell) Downing on December 22,
1930, in Ballston Spa, New York, where he attended local schools and
worked on a farm in Galway, New York; and

WHEREAS, John H. Downing enlisted in the United States Army on
January 10, 1949; after training at Camp Pickett, Virginia, and Fort
Bliss, Texas, he was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia; and

WHEREAS, John H. Downing proudly served his country overseas as a
member of Artillery Battery "A" 3d Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic
Weapons Battalion, Self-Propelled 3rd Infantry Division in Japan during
the Korean War; and

WHEREAS, On December 6, 1950, Sergeant John H. Downing's unit
engaged in action against the armed enemy when a truck under heavy fire
was blocking the road along which the unit had to proceed; without
regard for his own safety, he dismounted his armored car and ran to the
truck and drove it away from the enemy roadblock; this brave soldier
then rescued a wounded camera man, and was subsequently, recognized for
his heroism by receiving the Bronze Star Medal with "V" device; and

WHEREAS, In addition to this prestigious honor, Sergeant John H.
Downing was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan) and the Korean
Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on January 22,
1952, Sergeant First Class John H. Downing returned to his hometown and
worked for many years at the Curtis Lumber Company, retiring as a
construction manager; and

WHEREAS, On April 19, 1953, John H. Downing married the former Agnes
Anderson, and together they raised two daughters, Deann and Darlene; he
loved to spend time with his cherished family and enjoyed woodworking
and wood carving; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community and devoted to his fellow veterans,
John H. Downing was a charter member of the Saratoga National Cemetery
Honor Guard and the Korean War Veterans Association; and

WHEREAS, John H. Downing died on September 5, 2017, at the age of
86; 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,
John H. Downing 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 John H. Downing 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 John H. Downing.