Senate Resolution No. 2176
BY: Senator JORDAN
COMMENDING Andrew Dolan 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 Andrew
Dolan 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 presented at the Rensselaer County Honor a
Deceased Veteran Ceremony on September 9, 2019; 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 July 30, 1927, in Lansingburgh, New York, Andrew
"Andy" Dolan was the son of the late Andrew and Elsie May Dolan; he grew
up in Troy, attending its public schools through Grade 10; and
WHEREAS, In October of 1943, at the age of 16, Andrew Dolan enlisted
in the United States Navy, serving until March of 1946; he was initially
assigned as a Seaman aboard the U.S.S. 576 before being transferred to
Land Sea Transport (LST) 700, which was crippled by Japanese Zero
kamikazes, officially known as Tokubetsu Kogekitai, and towed to the
Philippines; and
WHEREAS, Andrew Dolan was then once again transferred to LST 992,
where he drove small Landing Craft Vehicles onto the beaches during the
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign of World War II; he reenlisted in the United
States Army from 1948 through 1965, where he spent the rest of his
career in the Military Police, rising to the rank of Sergeant First
Class; and
WHEREAS, While in the Army, Andrew Dolan served at Schofield in
Hawaii and was then sent to Korea with the 59th MP Company in 1950; upon
returning from Korea, he went to Governor's Island, New York, with the
Honor Guard; from there he was sent back to Japan, followed by Okinawa
and back to Fort Hamilton, New York, before being sent to Vietnam in
1963, as a military police trainer; and
WHEREAS, On January 31, 1965, Andrew Dolan retired from the military
after 22 years of distinguished and courageous service to his country;
he was the recipient of countless awards and accolades, including
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal-World War II Ribbon with three Bronze
Service Stars, Philippine Liberation Medal, Korean Service Medal/Ribbon
with three Bronze Stars, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary (Vietnam)
Medal; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Andrew Dolan
went on to have an illustrious career with the Troy Police Department
which traversed two decades; and
WHEREAS, Andrew Dolan died on March 29, 2003, at the age of 75; he
is buried at Elmwood Hill Cemetery in Troy, New York; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his beloved wife, Gloria, Andrew Dolan is
survived by his three sons, Andrew (Kathy), Peter (Jan) and Bret (Lynne
Ann); one daughter, Dorinda (John); seven grandchildren, Andrew,
Kristina, Bryan, Peter, Zachary, Bret and Britney; two brothers, William
(Irene) and Francis (the late Dottie); and two sisters, Molly (Dan) and
Elsie; as well as many nieces and nephews; 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,
Andrew Dolan 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 Andrew Dolan 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 Andrew Dolan.