Commending Sergeant Boyd F. Allen 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

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michelle Hinchey

The bill designates Sgt. Boyd F. Allen as a Liberty Medal recipient, honoring his World War II service, local leadership, and community mentorship.

ADOPTED

Purpose and Intent

The bill is a Senate resolution that formally commends Sergeant Boyd F. Allen posthumously.

It designates him as a recipient of the Liberty Medal, described as the highest honor bestowed by the New York State Senate.

The resolution recognizes Allen’s military service, community leadership, and lifelong dedication to Greene County and the State of New York.

Key Provisions and Changes

Official commendation: The resolution pauses Senate deliberations to recognize Allen’s heroism and humanitarian acts on behalf of fellow New Yorkers.

Liberty Medal designation: It states that Allen is designated as a Liberty Medal recipient, the Senate’s premier honor.

Expression of gratitude: The resolution expresses respect and appreciation from the State of New York for Allen’s service and contributions.

Background on the Honoree (as described in the bill)

Early life: Born and raised in Tannersville, New York.

Military service:

Enlisted in the U.S. Army on April 8, 1943.
Served with the 23rd Armored Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Division during World War II.
Participated in the Battle of the Bulge.
Duties included clearing land mines and supporting frontline mobility and defensive operations in active combat.
Decorations and awards cited: World War II Victory Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and two Purple Hearts.

Post-military career:

Greene County Superintendent of Highways for 16 years during a period of highway expansion.
Elected Mayor of Tannersville.
Operated a surveying business serving Greene County.

Community impact:

Known for guiding and mentoring local youth as they began their careers.

Death: Passed away on January 6, 2013, just days before his 99th birthday.

Recognition: Chosen as the recipient of the Greene County Memorial Veteran Award for 2026.

Affected Parties

Primary: Sergeant Boyd F. Allen (posthumous recognition).

Family of Boyd F. Allen (beneficiary of the conveyance of the resolution).

The New York State Senate as the issuing body of the Liberty Medal designation.

The Greene County community and Tannersville, New York, through their long-standing civic contributions and memorialization.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Action: Referred to the Senate Finance Committee on April 23, 2026.

Nature of action: A ceremonial/recognition resolution, not a statute or appropriations bill.

No fiscal impact is specified in the text of the resolution; typical ceremonial resolutions do not authorize expenditures.

Sponsor: Senator Hinchey (Co-sponsor: Michelle Hinchey).

Bottom Line

This bill serves to publicly honor Sgt. Boyd F. Allen posthumously, acknowledging his World War II service, local government leadership, and community mentorship.

It formally designates him as a Liberty Medal recipient, the Senate’s highest honor, and expresses the State’s gratitude for his and veterans’ service.

Bill