Senate Resolution No. 393 BY: Senator HINCHEY COMMENDING Peter Mixa 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 the citizenry of this great State; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Peter Mixa 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 to Paul and Martha Mixa on June 2, 1923, in Hudson, New York, Peter Mixa attended Greenport Elementary and graduated from Hudson High School in June of 1942; and WHEREAS, Peter Mixa enlisted in the United States Army on February 12, 1943, in Albany, New York; he qualified with the M-1 carbine and the 30-caliber machinegun in basic training and received additional training as an automotive equipment driver and was assigned to the European Theater of Operation on October 5, 1943, where he was assigned as a trailer truck driver; and WHEREAS, His duties required him to haul heavy equipment like tanks in blackout conditions over rough terrain in England as well as during combat conditions in the Ardennes, Central Europe, Northern France, and the Rhineland; and WHEREAS, For his courageous service during World War II, Tech-5 Peter Mixa was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal; and WHEREAS, After his service ended on December 1, 1945, Peter Mixa returned to Columbia County and married his beloved wife, Bernice Hummel, with whom he had four children: Patricia, Pamela, Paula, and Peter; and WHEREAS, Peter Mixa worked at Universal Atlas Cement Company, in Greenport, New York; he later became known for being a highly skilled iron worker for National, USA; he worked on projects like the Kinston-Rhinecliff Bridge, the Castleton-on-Hudson Bridge, and the Missouri Gateway Arch; he last worked as the head chef at Brookwood Secure Center for boys before retiring; and WHEREAS, With a love for the outdoors, Peter Mixa enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf in his free time; and WHEREAS, Peter Mixa died on October 29, 1987, at the age of 64, leaving behind four children, six grandchildren, and six 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, Peter Mixa 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 Peter Mixa 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 Peter Mixa.