Senator Kathy Marchione inducts decorated United States Army Captain, Vietnam War Veteran, hero and Averill Park resident William Allendorph into Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame

New York State Senator Kathy Marchione (R,C,I-Halfmoon) is pictured above (right) with United States Army Captain, Vietnam War Veteran, hero and Averill Park resident William Allendorph. Earlier today, Senator Marchione inducted Captain Allendorph into the Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame during a special public ceremony held in Albany, NY.

Albany, NY – In advance observance of Memorial Day 2016, and in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, Senator Kathy Marchione (R,C,I-Halfmoon), Chair of the Senate’s Local Government Committee and member of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee, today inducted highly decorated United States Army Captain, Vietnam War Veteran, hero and Averill Park resident William Allendorph into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame for the 43rd Senate District.

The Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame was launched in 2005 to help honor and recognize outstanding living veterans. Today, Senator Marchione and her Senate colleagues honored Captain Allendorph, along with all the inductees from the other 62 State Senate Districts, during a special public recognition ceremony held in Albany where each of the distinguished veterans were celebrated and personally thanked.

Captain Allendorph proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, from 1967 to 1971. In Vietnam, he was detailed to Quang Tin Province in the 1 Corps Tactical Zone where he served as Mobile Advisory Team Leader and was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in 1969. His duties were to assist the Vietnamese Regional and Popular Forces in military operations against the enemy, resulting in numerous and deadly engagements with the enemy. One of the most gratifying missions Captain Allendorph commanded in Vietnam was to rescue an imprisoned U.S. Army Soldier, Specialist 4 Larry D. Aiken, from the enemy. Specialist Aiken was the only imprisoned solder to be forcibly returned to friendly control during the war.

Following his tour in Vietnam, Lieutenant Allendorph was promoted to Captain and assigned to the John J. Kennedy Special Warfare School. There, he received training as a Special Forces Officer and received the Green Beret. He was then assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces, as a B and C Team Leader. Captain Allendorph was repeatedly recognized for his heroic service, bravery in combat and outstanding leadership abilities. His many military awards, honors and commendations include: 3 Bronze Stars; Army Commendation Medal; Combat Infantry Badge; U.S. Army Parachutist Badge; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Good Conduct Medal, NYS Conspicuous Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star.

Captain Allendorph, and all of today’s Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame inductees, will have their photographs and biographies included as part of a special on-line exhibit proclaiming and honoring their contributions, heroism, service and sacrifice.

Next week, Captain Allendorph will join Senator Marchione in Halfmoon as the Senator, the Town of Halfmoon and the NYS Senate sponsor The Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall’s visit to Halfmoon Town Park June 2-6 to honor the sacrifice of America’s Vietnam War Veterans as part of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.

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