Senate Resolution No. 1408
BY: Senator JORDAN
COMMENDING Tracy E. Millis 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 Tracy E.
Millis 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
Veteran Program on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, 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, Born to Ruth and Tracy Millis, Sr. on February 5, 1924,
Tracy E. Millis graduated from Saratoga Springs High School on June 25,
1941; and
WHEREAS, After entering into the United States Army Air Force on May
23, 1944, Tracy E. Millis proudly served his country as a P-51 Mustang
Fighter Pilot with the 359th Fighter Group, 369th Fighter Squadron, 67th
Fighter Wing during World War II; and
WHEREAS, Tracy E. Millis and his fellow pilots mainly escorted
bombers to key targets behind enemy lines; they also provided close air
support during the Battle of the Bulge, and as the assault crossed the
Rhine River into Germany; in addition, he participated in many campaigns
in Rhineland, the Ardennes and Central Europe; and
WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, First
Lieutenant Tracy E. Millis was awarded the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf
Clusters, the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal
and the European Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on April 23,
1946, Tracy E. Millis returned to his hometown and married his wife,
Elizabeth, and together, they raised three sons; he worked for the New
York State Department of Parks and Recreation as a plumber until he
officially retired on May 1, 1980; and
WHEREAS, Active in his community, Tracy E. Millis was a vital member
of the Saratoga VFW Post 420, the Saratoga Barbershop Chorus, and the
Saratoga Elks Lodge No. 161, where he was selected twice as Elk of the
Year; and
WHEREAS, Tracy E. Millis died on August 1, 2002, at the age of 58;
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,
Tracy E. Millis 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 Tracy E. Millis 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 Tracy E. Millis.
