Senate Resolution No. 803
BY: Senator HINCHEY
COMMENDING Orien J. Race 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Orien J.
Race 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; the Columbia County Honor a Veteran committee will be
honoring Orien J. Race at their ceremony on Monday, April 28, 2025; 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 on February 19, 1919 to John and Bessie Race in East
Taconic, New York, Orien J. Race grew up in Columbia County and attended
the Hudson School District; and
WHEREAS, Orien J. Race entered the United States Army on July 24,
1942, after basic training at Camp Upton, New York; he received advanced
training and was assigned as a duty soldier to the European Theater of
Operations on February 9, 1944; and
WHEREAS, Earning the rank of Private First-Class (PFC), Orien J.
Race served with the Army Air Corps in the Headquarters Co, 92nd Bomb
Group H in Europe; and
WHEREAS, Orien J. Race's unit spearheaded the missions in the
Ardennes in Central Europe, Normandy in northern France, and the
Rhineland in Germany; and
WHEREAS, The 92nd Bomb Group H was a part of the intense campaign of
heavy bombing against German aircraft industry, V-weapon sites, enemy
airfields, oil and transportation facilities, marshalling yards, as well
as industrial targets in France, Germany, and Belgium; the unit also
supported the D-Day landing, the airborne assault in Holland, and the
Battle of the Bulge; and
WHEREAS, For his courageous service, PFC Orien J. Race was awarded
the American Service Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, European African
Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the WWII Victory
Medal; and
WHEREAS, Orien J. Race returned to the United States on November 9,
1945, and was honorably discharged on November 14, 1945, at Fort Dix,
New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, Orien J. Race met and married Ruth Hoteling on March 16,
1949, and the couple raised ten children together; he worked as a farmer
in Columbia County, New York, at both Tim's Farm in Ancram, NY and later
at Meltz Lumber in Mellenville, NY; and
WHEREAS, Orien J. Race died on January 2, 1996, in Stottville, New
York at the age of 76 and left behind three sons, Michael, Oren, and
Scot; two daughters, Daen, and Debbie; 14 grandchildren; and 17 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 gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Orien J. Race 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 Orien J. Race 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 Orien J. Race.
