Senator Saland Awards New York State Conspicuous Service Cross For Wwii Veteran

Senator Steve Saland (R,C Poughkeepsie) yesterday presented the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross to the wife of Staff Sergeant James A. Liccione, Sr., at her home in Lagrangeville.

Liccione, was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously in 2003. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army and was wounded in the Aleutian Islands in 1942. Liccione's widow, Concetta, accepted the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal on behalf of her husband, for his honorable and distinguished service in the Armed Forces of the United States.

"The debt of gratitude we owe our veterans is one that can never truly be repaid," Senator Saland said. "It is an honor to present this award posthumously to former U.S. Army Sgt. James Liccione, in recognition of his selfless devotion to keep our nation free. Because of his service and sacrifice, and those of his generation that have come to be known as the Greatest Generation, Americans have continued to experience the freedom that we enjoy and cherish. This medal acts as a token to pay homage to and commemorate the service of the late Sgt. Liccione, but also all veterans who selflessly served our nation and this great state to protect the freedoms we enjoy."

The Conspicuous Service Cross is awarded to citizens who received noteworthy individual decorations while in active service with the United States armed forces, such as the Purple Heart and whose service was otherwise honorable. The Conspicuous Cross is also awarded for certain other specific wartime service.

Established in 1925, the Conspicuous Service Cross is intended to recognize current and former New York State citizens for exemplary service in the Armed Forces.