Skelos Presents Conspicuous Service Cross On Memorial Day In Valley Stream

New York State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos (R-Rockville Centre), in conjunction with the New York State Department of Military and Naval Affairs, posthumously awarded U.S. Army Sergeant Gregory Leonard Wahl the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross on Memorial Day. The ceremony was held at the Valley Stream Veterans Memorial. Sergeant Wahl grew up in Valley Stream and his award was accepted by his aunt and godmother, Carol Bradley. Mrs. Bradley also resides in the Village of Valley Stream.

"It is and honor and a privilege to present the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross to Sergeant Gregory Wahl," said Senator Skelos. "He is a patriot and true American hero who gave his life in defense of freedom, his country and his fellow Americans."

Sergeant Wahl was deployed to Iraq on February 4, 2004 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He died May 3, 2004 in Balad, Iraq when his military vehicle rolled over into a canal during a combat patrol near Khalis. The United States Army awarded Sergeant Wahl the Bronze Star (posthumous) for his heroic service and ultimate sacrifice during combat operations against an armed enemy. Prior to Operation Iraqi Freedom, Sergeant Wahl served on missions in both Kosovo and Bosnia. Sergeant Wahl is survived by his wife Maricela Wahl and daughter Alexis.

The New York State Conspicuous Service Cross is the state’s highest military honor.

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