Tedisco Presents NYS Senate Liberty Medal to Malta Vietnam Veteran

MALTA, NY--Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C-Glenville) yesterday presented the New York State Liberty Medal, the Senate’s highest honor for service and valor, to Vietnam War combat veteran and former U.S. Marine Corps Captain David Wallingford. Tedisco presented Captain Wallingford with the New York State Senate Liberty Medal at a dedication ceremony hosted by the Malta Veterans Appreciation Program naming the Town of Malta’s veterans memorial site as the Capt. USMC David T. Wallingford Veterans Park.

Captain Wallingford served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1967 to 1970, serving in combat during the Vietnam War. He earned the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V”, Purple Heart Medal, Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V”, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal with Four Stars, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Commendation Cross Gallantry Medal with Palm, New York State Conspicuous Service Cross with One Device, and the New York State Conspicuous Service Star.

Captain Wallingford earned a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Med/Classics from the College of the Holy Cross. His civilian career included serving as Special Assistant to the Director and as Deputy Director for the Northeast for the State Division of Veterans’ Affairs, and as Regional Administrator for the Division of Employment Services for the NYS Labor Department.

In addition to helping others through veterans organizations, he is a member of the Friends of the NYS Military Museum and the Town of Malta Veterans Committee. Captain Wallingford and his wife, Helene, are the parents of four children and six grandchildren.

“Captain Wallingford is a real American hero who served our country with honor and courage and then came home and dedicated his life to helping fellow veterans receive the help and support they need, and, frankly, are owed by our state and nation.  The Vietnam War was not a popular conflict at the time and those that served did not get the parades, thanks and appreciation they deserved. The heartfelt recognition for the service of all those who fought in Vietnam, like David Wallingford, has been long overdue and I am proud to present him with the state Senate’s highest honor, the Liberty Medal, which must be passed via resolution, for his courageous service to the State of New York and the United States of America,” said Senator Jim Tedisco.