Senate Resolution No. 1254
BY: Senator HINCHEY
COMMENDING John H. French 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 John H.
French 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; this momentous occasion will be celebrated on
Monday, July 28, 2025, at the Columbia County Honor a Veteran Ceremony
in Hudson, New York; 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, John Harpin French was born on September 6, 1922, to
Raymond and Clara French in Hartford, Connecticut, and grew up in
Mellenville, New York, where he graduated from Philmont High School in
1940; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his military service, John H. French worked as an
industrial tractor operator and subsequently enlisted in the United
States Army on January 13, 1943, in Hudson, New York; and
WHEREAS, Following basic training, Private First Class (PFC) John H.
French received specialized instruction as a Fumigation and Bath Man
(706), responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining equipment
used to disinfect clothing, equipment, and personnel from environmental
or chemical hazards in war zones; and
WHEREAS, PFC John H. French served honorably in the European Theater
of Operations with the 872 Quartermaster Company, participating in
military campaigns in the Rhineland and Central Europe; and
WHEREAS, After serving one year and 23 days overseas, PFC John H.
French returned to the United States and was honorably discharged at
Fort Meade, Maryland, on November 25, 1945; and
WHEREAS, For his dedicated service to his country, PFC John H.
French received the European-African-Middle Eastern (EAME) Service
Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Service Medal, and
the World War II Victory Medal; and
WHEREAS, Following his military service, John H. French returned to
Columbia County, where he met and married Edna Mannetta on September 22,
1946, and together they raised three sons: Jeffrey, Mark, and Lee; and
WHEREAS, John H. French worked as an Engineering Production Analyst
for IBM in Kingston, New York, contributing to the development and
innovation of engineering technologies; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, he remained a devoted member of his community,
actively participating in numerous organizations including the Minkler
Seery American Legion, Ghent Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Mellenville
Volunteer Fire Company, Columbia County Volunteer Firefighter's
Association, Hudson Valley Volunteer Fireman's Association, and the Free
and Accepted Masons Agawamuck Lodge No. 841; and
WHEREAS, John H. French was also a committed congregant of the
Philmont Methodist Church, a Little League coach, Soap Box Derby
committeeman, and a member of the Claverack Senior Citizens; and
WHEREAS, John Harpin French died on March 31, 2009, at the Firemen's
Home in Hudson, New York, at the age of 85, predeceased by Edna, his
beloved wife of 57 years, and leaving behind a lasting legacy through
his three sons, eight grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren; 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,
John H. French 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 John H. French 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 John H. French.
