Senate Resolution No. 3222
BY: Senator KENNEDY
COMMENDING Walter H. Radt 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 Walter H.
Radt 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
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 7, 1923, in Buffalo, New York, Walter H.
Radt attended Burgard Vocational High School; after graduation, he
enlisted in the United States Army in January of 1942, and proudly
served his country as a radio operator with the Pacific Theater 5th Air
Force aboard B-26 bombers during World War II; and
WHEREAS, For his courageous service during the Second World War,
Walter H. Radt was awarded six Bronze Star Medals and the Bronze
Arrowhead; and
WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service in December of
1946, with the rank of Staff Sergeant, Walter H. Radt returned to
Buffalo and worked as a truck driver for several firms, retiring from
Neptune Moving in the 1990s; and
WHEREAS, Walter H. Radt married the love of his life, Elizabeth, and
together, they raised six children, Douglas, Keenan, Beverly, Darryl,
Kimberly and Melody, and were the loving grandparents of six
grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, A man of many interests and passions, Walter H. Radt was an
avid book collecter, and at one time, had more than 4,000 hard-cover
books in his library; he was also a devoted fan of the Buffalo Sabres
and enjoyed riding his bicycle and photography; above all, he loved
spending time with his wife of 57 years and his cherished family; and
WHEREAS, Walter H. Radt died on December 22, 2015, at the age of 92;
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,
Walter H. Radt 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 Walter H. Radt 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 Walter H. Radt.