Oswego County Veterans Inducted Into ‘Hall of Fame’

Senator Patty Ritchie (R-C, Heuvelton) celebrated Flag Day Tuesday by helping to induct the Oswego County “Battle of the Bulge” Veterans into the New York State Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame.

"When American soldiers threw back the German offensive during World War II in the conflict that we now call the "Battle of the Bulge," they literally saved the world," Senator Ritchie said in a video tribute. "Those soldiers helped bring an end to the Nazi domination of Europe and paved the way for a new era of peace and Democracy that has flourished across Europe over the past half century.

"That's why I honored the Oswego County Battle of the Bulge Veterans Association by nominating them to the New York State Senate's Veterans Hall of Fame. By honoring their service to our nation, we honor all those who have worn the uniforms of our Armed Forces," Senator Ritchie said. "The Senate's Veterans Hall of Fame provides all of us with an opportunity to show our appreciation to the men and women in all the branches of the military whose service has truly helped to save the world from those who would threaten our freedom and liberty."

It’s the first time a group of veterans has been named collectively to the Hall of Fame, which was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life.

John M. Canale, chairman of the Oswego County Battle of the Bulge Veterans, accepted the honor on behalf of the group, saying "I am only four foot-10 3/4, but today I feel 10 feet tall."

The Oswego County “Battle of the Bulge” Veterans is among the largest gathering of soldiers from a single engagement in the nation. Today, the group also includes veterans from Afghanistan, Korea and Vietnam. Members include:

SSgt. John M. Canale, Chairman

Pvt. Harold Blake

Don Buske

PO2 Fred Crisafulli

Cpl. Bill Hogan

W.O.J.G Len Lambert

Pfc. Bill Leighton

Sgt. Fred Lockwood

Pfc. Len Maniccia

Tec5 Alfred Myhill

Pfc. Bob Ochsenbern

SSgt. Phil Pecora

Sfc. Charles Phallen

Justin Baum (Afghanistan)

QM2 Alex Beattle (Korea)

Sgt. Myles Becky (Vietnam)

Tom Halpin (Korea)

SSgt. Matt Bush*

Don Cronan*

Carl Dickinson*

Don Kitts*

Carmen Santore*

Charles Scaglione*

 *deceased

The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, created in 2005, contains biographies of veterans across our State who have been nominated by their Senators, and can be viewed online by visiting http://www.nysenate.gov/veterans-hall-of-fame.

Battle of the Bulge