Bill Text: NY J01432 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Commending Robert E. Gabe posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2024-01-30 - ADOPTED [J01432 Detail]

Download: New_York-2023-J01432-Introduced.html

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Senate Resolution No. 1432

BY: Senator HINCHEY

        COMMENDING  Robert  E.  Gabe posthumously upon the
        occasion  of  his  designation  as  recipient  of  a
        Liberty  Medal,  the  highest honor bestowed upon an
        individual by the New York State Senate

  WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of  New  York,
who  have  served  so  valiantly  and  honorably  in  wars in which this
country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of  peace
in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

  WHEREAS,  This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Robert E.
Gabe posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the  New
York State Senate; and

  WHEREAS,  The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is  awarded  to  individuals  who  have  merited  special
commendation  for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

  WHEREAS, Born February  21,  1926,  to  Joseph  and  Ethel  Gabe  in
Syracuse,  New  York,  Robert  E.  Gabe  attended  Hudson Central School
District where he graduated from high school in  1944;  he  subsequently
received a business degree from Albany Business College in 1988; and

  WHEREAS,  Robert  E.  Gabe proudly served his country as a member of
the United States  Army  from  May  of  1944  until  his  retirement  in
September  of 1970; his selfless 26 years of service spanned three wars:
World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War; and

  WHEREAS, After basic training at Camp Wolter, Texas, Robert E.  Gabe
was  assigned  to  Company  C, 9th Armor Infantry Battalion, 6th Armored
Division where he saw action  in  Bastogne  on  December  26,  1944;  he
returned to the states after the war ended in 1945; and

  WHEREAS,  During  the  Korean  War,  Robert  E. Gabe was promoted to
Master Sergeant and on September  18,  1948,  while  serving  as  acting
platoon  sergeant  with  Company  F, he was wounded and evacuated to the
states; and

  WHEREAS, Upon recovery, Robert E. Gabe was promoted to 1st  Sergeant
and  assigned  to Fort Benning, Georgia; in the ensuing years (1952-55),
Robert E. Gabe served as Intelligence Sergeant with the 5th Infantry  in
Augsburg,  Germany;  he  then  volunteered for Airborne Training and was
assigned to the 505th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division; and

  WHEREAS, This brave soldier went on to serve as Platoon Sergeant  in
Erlangen,  Germany,  followed by Battalion Intelligence Sergeant, before
being reassigned to the 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment at Fort  Bragg,
North Carolina; and

  WHEREAS, Volunteering for the Special Forces, 1st Sergeant Robert E.
Gabe  served  in  Vietnam  until  May  11, 1965, when he was wounded and

evacuated to Walter Reed Hospital; he was  then  assigned  to  the  10th
Special  Forces  in Bad Tolz, Germany, then to the 7th Special Forces in
Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and finally with the 82nd Airborne  Division
as an Intelligence Officer (acting) until his retirement; and

  WHEREAS,  For  his  courageous  military service, Robert E. Gabe was
awarded the World War II, Korea, Vietnam 3rd  Award  Combat  Infantryman
Badge;  Bronze  Star  Medal  w/V and 2/0LC; Purple Heart w/2 OLC; Master
Parachute Badge; German and Vietnamese Parachute Badge; New  York  State
Conspicuous  Service  Cross;  5 Good Conduct Medals; and several service
ribbons covering his service in three wars; and

  WHEREAS, Robert E. Gabe and the former Joyce Webster were united  in
marriage  on  March 20, 1971, in Stottville, New York, and together they
raised three daughters, Diane, Shirley and  Rosalee,  and  one  stepson,
Donald Coons; and

  WHEREAS, A resident of Valatie, New York, Robert E. Gabe worked as a
Postmaster  in  Albany for 17 years; he died on May 20, 2023, at the age
of 97, and is buried at Saratoga National Cemetery; and

  WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must  recognize
that  no  greater  debt is owed than that owed to those who risked their
lives for their beloved Nation; and

  WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at  home  and  abroad,
Robert  E.  Gabe  demonstrated  his  love  for  his  country  and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and

  WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be  recognized,  commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Robert E. Gabe posthumously upon the occasion of his designation
as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the  highest  honor  bestowed  upon  an
individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Robert E. Gabe.