Senator Lea Webb Inducts George Harrington into the New York State Senate's 2024 Veterans Hall of Fame

Binghamton, NY – This week, following Memorial Day, the New York State Senate held its 2024 Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony, honoring veterans from across the state for their service in the military and their contributions to their communities. Senator Lea Webb proudly inducted George Harrington, a 98-year-old resident of Endicott, into this prestigious cohort of heroes.

The New York State Senate's Veterans Hall of Fame recognizes honorees not only for their military service but also for their steadfast commitment to public service. These individuals are small business owners, police officers, volunteers, teachers, union members, entrepreneurs, and dedicated family members. They are our neighbors who have answered the call to serve and who play a crucial role in our growing communities. 

"It is an honor to induct George Harrington into the New York State Senate's Veterans Hall of Fame,” said Senator Lea Webb. “His bravery and dedication during World War II exemplify the spirit of service and sacrifice that defines our nation's veterans. George Harrington's legacy will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of courage and resilience for future generations. We owe a debt of gratitude to George and all our veterans for their selfless contributions that remind us of the values that make our nation strong."

Background on George Harrington:

George M. Harrington's story reflects the valor and sacrifice of countless individuals who served during World War II. Born in 1926, George joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 18 in March of 1944, just as the war was intensifying. Hailing from Endicott, New York, he grew up on a farm as one of six siblings. Like many young men of his generation, George felt the call to duty and left his civilian life behind to serve his country.

Prior to enlisting, George worked at the Endicott Johnson Shoe Company, a prominent employer in the area. However, when the war broke out, he felt compelled to contribute directly to the war effort. His journey began with basic training at the Sampson U.S. Naval Training Station, situated on the shores of Seneca Lake in New York.

During his service, George held the rank of Signalman, a critical position requiring expertise in visual communication and advanced lookout skills. Signalmen were entrusted with transmitting, receiving, encoding, decoding, and distributing messages using various visual transmission systems, including flags, hand signals, and Morse code. Their role was vital in ensuring effective communication between naval vessels and coordinating maneuvers during combat operations.

George served in the Pacific Theater aboard flat-bottom boats, specifically the Higgins boats. These vessels played a pivotal role in amphibious assaults, ferrying troops and equipment to the shorelines of key strategic locations. George participated in numerous campaigns, including the pivotal battles of Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Saipan, to name a few. His responsibility was to safely deliver Marines and supplies to the beachheads.

The Higgins boats, characterized by their front ramp, allowed for the swift deployment of infantry and small vehicles directly onto the beach, making them essential assets in amphibious warfare. George's courage and skill ensured that countless soldiers reached their destinations, despite the dangers lurking offshore.

George M. Harrington's service spanned over two years. His contributions, along with those of his comrades, played a crucial role in securing victory in the Pacific Theater. His story stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation, whose courage helped shape the course of history.

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Photos of the 2024 Veterans Hall of Fame Celebration