Commending Ralph R. Kring 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

Senate Resolution No. 2361

BY: Senator HINCHEY

        COMMENDING  Ralph  R.  Kring 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 Ralph R.
Kring 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,  Ralph  R.  Kring  is  being honored by the Columbia County
Honor a Veteran Committee during  their  Honor  a  Veteran  Ceremony  on
Monday,  June 29, 2026 at the Columbia County office building in Hudson,
New York; and

  WHEREAS, Ralph R. Kring was born on January 9, 1926, to Ira  Raymond
and  Hellen  Marie  (Darrow) Kring in Ogdensburg, New York; he spent his
childhood in Hudson, New York, and graduated from Hudson Central  School
In 1944; and

  WHEREAS, Upon graduating high school, Ralph R. Kring enlisted in the
United  States  Army  in  1944, and, after completing basic training and
parachute training, Tech/4 Ralph R. Kring was sent  to  the  Philippines
and Japan to serve during WWII as an Engineering Supply Technician until
his discharge in 1947; and

  WHEREAS,  After  his discharge from the United States Army, Ralph R.
Kring joined the New York National Guard in 1949, serving  with  Co.  B,
152 Engineer Bn in Hudson, New York; and

  WHEREAS,  Upon  reenlistment in 1952, Master Sergeant Ralph R. Kring
led a platoon until 1961, when he reenlisted again; he served  admirably
as  Sergeant  First Class in the New York State National Guard until his
retirement on October 30, 1968; and

  WHEREAS, For his courageous service throughout his  lifetime,  Ralph
R.    Kring  was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific
Theater Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, New  York  State  Award  for  Long  &
Faithful Service, and M1 Carbine Expert Badge; and

  WHEREAS,  Outside  of his military service, Ralph R. Kring worked as
an electrician, carpenter, and truck driver until 1950, and later worked

for National Grid, also known as Niagara Mohawk Corp., where he  retired
after 36 years as a line foreman; and

  WHEREAS,  In  1950,  Ralph R. Kring married Florence Ellen Schrader,
and together they shared  the  joy  of  raising  their  seven  children,
Deborah Lee, Donna Lynn, Patricia, Bonnie, Ralph, Kevin, and Mark; and

  WHEREAS,  Throughout  his  lifetime, Ralph R. Kring made substantial
efforts to remain involved in his community, and he was a member of  the
Ghent  Fire  Company No. 1, Hudson Edmond Hose Fire Company No. 1, Ghent
VFW No.   5933, Hudson Elks No.  787,  Kinderhook  Elks  No.  2530,  and
Chatham American Legion No. 42; and

  WHEREAS, With a desire to give back to others, Ralph R. Kring served
as the Christmas Toy Relief Fund Commander; and

  WHEREAS,  For his lifetime of service, Ralph R. Kring was recognized
and honored in the New York State Veterans' Hall  of  Fame;  his  legacy
stands as a stellar example of public service and selfless dedication to
the betterment of others; and

  WHEREAS, Ralph R. Kring died on May 9, 2021, at the age of 95; 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,
Ralph  R.  Kring  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 Ralph R. Kring 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 Ralph R. Kring.