Senator Helming Announces Stanley L. Smith of Sterling Named 54th District Inductee to NYS Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

Senator Pam Helming announced that World War II veteran Stanley L. Smith of Sterling has been selected as the 54^th District inductee to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame for 2022. Mr. Smith was nominated by Susan Parsons, Sterling Town Historian, and was honored at the June 20^thmeeting of the Sterling Town Board.

Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1944 to serve in World War II, Mr. Smith is one of the youngest members of the Greatest Generation. He served as a rifleman and military police officer from 1944 until 1946. Following V-E Day, Corporal Smith reported for duty at the Palace of Justice and Nuremberg Prison in Germany, where he guarded three high-profile prisoners during the International Military Tribunal.

When he returned home to Sterling, Mr. Smith married his wife, Arlene, and had three children, Ron, Kathy and Peter. He is a life member of Fair Haven Fire Department and a member of American Legion George Ingersoll Post 658 for over 70 years. The Little League Field on Cayuga Street in Fair Haven was dedicated as “Stanley Smith Field” in recognition of his many years of maintaining the grounds.

“Congratulations to Mr. Stanley Smith on his induction into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. Mr. Smith has dedicated his life to service, serving with honor and distinction during World War II then continuing his service to his community after the war. As one of the approximately 240,000 surviving veterans of World War II and the Greatest Generation, we owe Mr. Smith a debt of gratitude. Thank you to Susan Parsons, Sterling Town Historian, for nominating him and sharing his incredible story of service to country and community,” said Senator Helming.