Herkimer County Veteran Enshrined In Senate Hall Of Fame

ALBANY, 05/19/15 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today paid tribute to Anthony Gabriel, Jr. of Herkimer as a 2015 inductee to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.

“Anthony Gabriel is a true American hero, and more than worthy of inclusion in the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame,” said Senator Seward.  “Mr. Gabriel displayed superior bravery and courage while serving our nation and, upon returning home, dedicated himself to the betterment of his community.  He also never lost touch with his military roots and continued to help prepare new soldiers while working to ensure his fellow veterans receive the respect and recognition they deserve.” 

The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame inductees may be former members of any branch of the United States Armed Forces.  The exceptional men and women are chosen for this prestigious honor based on either service in combat or notable work performed after discharge from the service.

Gabriel was recognized during a special ceremony at the Capitol along with other inductees to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.  Gabriel’s biography along with those of other inductees, past and present, can be found on-line at http://www.nysenate.gov/initiative/honoring-our-veterans.

“My whole-hearted congratulations to Anthony and his fellow inductees.  Further, my thanks to all veterans past and present.  Your courage, sacrifice and achievement are something each and every American can be proud of,” Seward added.

The complete New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame biography for Colonel Anthony Gabriel:

Anthony J. Gabriel, Jr. of Herkimer, proudly served our nation for a total of thirty-six years in the United States Army, enlisting as a buck Private in 1948 and retiring as a full Colonel in 1984.  He performed at an exemplary level during his time in the European Theater, Korean War zones and while training his successors.  

In 1948, Anthony was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, Company B, 1st Battalion, 18th Regiment in Lenggries, Germany.  His assignment list was extensive in the G-3 section.

He attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Riley, KS and Fort Benning, GA with additional duties as Company Commander of  Company G 47th Infantry Division at Fort Rucker, AL. He was shipped to Japan in 1953 where he attended CBR school.  Upon graduation, he was sent to Korea as Company Commander HQ-HQ Company, 2nd Amphibious Combat Support Brigade in Tong Nae.  

After Korea, as logistics coordinator for U.S. Army Reserves in numerous locales, he was assigned for several years to the 98th Division. 

Just prior to the Kuwait War, the Pentagon requested his expertise to train and select the best qualified support units to send to Kuwait. His last assignment was as liaison for the 167th Corps Support Command in Camp Shelby, MS. He received the NYS Conspicuous Service medal.

In his civilian life, he has been a devoted community leader; serving as village trustee,  Herkimer Boxing Club president, 4th degree knight/life member of the Knights of Columbus, and helped build many Mohawk Valley landmarks as a past president/life member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America. 

He is also a life member/past post commander of Michael Pliseck V.F.W. Post #4915. He served on the committee that was the first in the nation to send WWII veterans to Washington, DC, to visit their WWII memorial. 

Anthony helped establish the Veterans Memorial Park monument on the Herkimer County Community College campus. Anthony’s name is one of ten Gabriel family members names etched on the monument honoring his family’s over 110 years of active duty service from World War I to present day.

Colonel Anthony J. Gabriel, Jr. has fulfilled an array of crucial duties as a member of the United States Army and as a civilian.  No matter the task, his leadership, wisdom, and compassion have always been on point for his beloved country and flag.

-30-