Senate Resolution No. 2365
BY: Senator HINCHEY
HONORING Private First Class Alan Grant Blass
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 peace-time deserve a special salute from this esteemed Body; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Alan Grant Blass posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as a
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate; and
WHEREAS, The Columbia County Honor a Veteran committee will be
honoring PFC Alan Grant Blass on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Columbia
County office building, 401 State St., Hudson, New York in the
Supervisors Chambers; 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 July 4, 1946, to Roy B. and Anna (Van Allen) Blass in
Chatham, New York, Alan Grant Blass grew up in Chatham and attended
school in Chatham Central School District where he enjoyed golf, which
he often played with his father at Winding Brook Country Club; and
WHEREAS, Alan Grant Blass enlisted in the United States Army in
Albany, New York on October 11, 1963 and upon completing basic training
at Fort Dix, New Jersey, Alan was assigned to the United States Army
Training Center (USATC) at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri on January 3,
1964; and
WHEREAS, For eight weeks, Private First Class (PFC) Alan Blass
trained as a construction machine operator; he was then issued orders to
report to the Co A, 8th Engineer Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division in
South Korea; and
WHEREAS, In 1964, the 8th Engineer Battalion was a part of
construction projects that included reinforced concrete bunkers, 48-foot
steel stringer bridges, Bailey bridges and large culverts in very
difficult conditions and terrain; PFC Alan Blass' unit sponsored the
Pak-Ai Orphanage with money, clothing, and school supplies; and
WHEREAS, In late October of 1964, PFC Alan Blass' parents received a
telegram informing them that he had died at 11:45 in the morning on
October 30, 1964, while operating a diesel loader scoop that overturned
and pinned him down at a firing range in Korea; and
WHEREAS, PFC Alan Blass' remains were returned on November 6, 1964,
and transported to the French Funeral Home in Chatham; services were
held at the Chatham Methodist Church and he received full military
honors from an Honor Guard from West Point and his remains were interred
in the Chatham Rural Cemetery; and
WHEREAS, For his courageous service, PFC Alan Blass was awarded the
National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, and
the Sharpshooters Badge w/ Rifle Bar; he was also a communicant and
Youth Fellowship member of the Chatham Methodist Church, Boy Scouts
Troop III and the Winding Brook Country Club; and
WHEREAS, PFC Alan Blass was only 18 years old and left behind his
parents Anna and Roy; and two sisters Donna and Cheryl; 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
honor Alan Grant Blass 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 Alan Grant Blass.
