Senate Resolution No. 193
BY: Senator TEDISCO
COMMENDING Charles D. Eells 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 Charles D.
Eells 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, to be celebrated at the Saratoga County Honor a
Deceased Veteran Ceremony on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the County
Building in Ballston Spa, 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, The son of Harry and Carol Eells, Charles "Chuck" D. Eells
was born on May 10, 1935 in Norwich, Connecticut; he graduated high
school and attended college in Vermont where he studied cheese making;
and
WHEREAS, Charles D. Eells enlisted in the United States Army during
the Korean War and entered active duty on August 13, 1953; he served as
a track vehicle mechanic with the 585th Ordinance Company at Nellingen
Kaserne Barracks, Germany; and
WHEREAS, Discharged on July 31, 1956, Specialist 3rd Class Charles
D. Eells was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Good
Conduct Medal, and the Occupation of Germany Medal; and
WHEREAS, Charles D. Eells re-enlisted and entered into the United
States Air Force on September 11, 1957, during which time he served with
the 4347th Civil Engineer Squad as a Fire Protection Specialist; he went
on to reenlist and reclass as a Special Investigations and
Counterintelligence Technician, serving as a special agent in the United
States Air Force Office of Special Investigations for many years; and
WHEREAS, After serving in Vietnam and the Philippines during the
war, Charles D. Eells was named the lead federal representative for
security at the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid; he retired on
September 30, 1984, at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, at the esteemed
rank of Chief Master Sergeant; and
WHEREAS, For his courageous service, Charles D. Eells was awarded
the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster, Air
Force Commendation Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Good
Conduct Medal with 6 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Longevity Service
Ribbon with 6 oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with
device, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze service stars, Air Force
Organizational Excellence Award, Airforce Outstanding Unit Award with 2
oak leaf clusters, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Device,
and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Charles D.
Eells married Marilyn in 1988 in Clifton Park, New York; he worked
several jobs including, as a Dispatcher for a Trucking Company, a Rental
agent for Hertz Rental, and a HEAP and Banking Rep for New York State;
and
WHEREAS, Finally, after officially retiring in 1992, Charles and
Marilyn opened and operated King Crest Farm for more than 30 years;
Charles truly loved staying at home on the farm and watching his family
grow; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, he was a proud member of the Rensselaer County
Draft Animal Association; and
WHEREAS, Charles D. Eells died on December 9, 2022, at the age of
87, after a long and courageous battle with cancer resulting from Agent
Orange while serving his country in Vietnam; 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,
Charles D. Eells 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 Charles D. Eells 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 Charles D. Eells.
