Senator O'Brien to honor veterans in Albany

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Today, Senator Ted O'Brien nominated two Rochester-area veterans, Lyle Dupra and W. Robert Nolan, to the State Senate's "Veterans Hall of Fame," honoring their distinguished service to their country.

"It is my distinct pleasure to honor these two men for their service to this country," Senator O'Brien said.  "I hope that this Hall of Fame and the stories of its honorees serve to remind us all of the sacrifices those in uniform have made and continue to make to keep this country strong."

Mr. Dupra served during both World War II and Korea.  During the second World War, he served with the U.S. Navy Armed Guard, sailors who served aboard and defended merchant ships when they came under attack, ensuring that critical supplies made it through to the front lines.

During an attack by Japanese fighter planes, Mr. Dupra was struck by shrapnel and sustained lasting damage to his hearing, injuries which he received a belated Purple Heart for in 2002.  He has also worked to increase public awareness of the Armed Guard’s work through public speaking and writing.

Mr. Nolan is a highly decorated veteran of the Second World War, where he fought with the 104th Infantry Division, nicknamed the “Timberwolves.”  He received a Silver Star for rescuing fellow soldiers who had been seriously injured by explosive shells and dragging them back to receive medical attention, and a Bronze Star for conducting solo reconnaissance of a German-held river crossing.

Mr. Nolan also spent time in the Central Intelligence Agency, eventually serving as its representative to the National Military Command Center.  During this same time period, Mr. Nolan was a reserve officer at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

“Both Mr. Dupra and Mr. Nolan are heroes for risking their lives for their country,” Senator O’Brien said.  “I am truly humbled to be able to extend this honor to men whose military service helped change the course of the 20th century, defeat fascism and ensure the survival of democracy.”

The nominees will be honored at a ceremony in Albany on May 21, 2013, where those able to attend will meet with their local representatives and all nominees will have their biographies and photographs on display.

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Sen. O’Brien represents the 55th district in the Senate, which is made up of the eastern half of Monroe County and the western half of Ontario County, including much of the city of Rochester.

Media contact:

Thomas J. Morrisey
Communications Director
office:  (585) 223-1800
cell:      (716) 348-2772
e-mail: tjmorris@nysenate.gov