Senator Morahan Taps Local Veteran For "Hall Of Fame" Honor

State Senator Thomas P. Morahan announced the induction of a combat-wounded veteran, who distinguished himself with acts of valor on the battlefields of Vietnam, as well as more than a decade of compassionate service to the veterans of Rockland County.

The first-of-its-kind online Hall of Fame is designed to pay tribute to New Yorkers whose gallantry in the United States Armed Forces is complemented by their service to the community and significant accomplishments as a civilian. The Veterans Day tribute may be accessed through Senator Morahan’s website: www.senatormorahan.com.

"On Veterans Day, we pause to honor the men and women who serve the United States of America, and the cause of freedom as members of the military," said Senator Morahan (R-C, New City). "The Senate Veterans Hall of Fame pays tribute to all who serve, but also singles out for special recognition those whose gallantry and service have helped make our nation and our communities better places to live."

The inaugural class of Senate Veterans Hall of Fame inductees includes more than 30 veterans from across the state who continue to serve with distinction as leading members of their communities, including Senator Morahan’s designee, Gerald Donnellan.

During his tour of duty with the U.S. Army, Mr. Donnellan and members of his platoon came under sniper fire while on a march through the jungle. Shot in the arm and leg, Mr. Donnellan and his comrades sought refuge in a foxhole. Moments later, when a granade was tossed into the ditch, Mr. Donnellan, unable to flee because of the severity of his wounds, instead tried to protect his unit be lessening the blast with his pack. The ensuing explosion resulted in the loss of one of his legs and a sever injury to one of his arms.

Mr. Donnellan’s battlefield heroism has carried through to his civilian lefe, where he continuously seeks to improve the lives of his fellow veterans as Director of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency. He was a driving force behind the effort to establish a Rockland County Veterans Homeless Shelter and the Rockland County Veterans Clinic.

Mr. Donnellan is a recipient of the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietname Cross of Gallantry, and the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross.

Senator Morahan will formally present Mr. Donnellan with an official Hall of Fame plaque, at ceremonies marking the grand opening of Veterans Park in Nyack, scheduled for 3:00 pm on Friday, November 11, 2005.

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