New York State Senate Liberty Medal presented to Forestport Army Veteran commemorating his service to the United States

FORESTPORT- A U.S. Army Veteran from Forestport, NY received a New York State Liberty Medal Thursday in recognition of his service to our country.

On scene at the Forestport Diner, Senator Joe Griffo presented this prestigious honor to Terrance Larkin, 101.

Locally known as ‘Terry,’ he joined the United States Army on Dec. 28, 1942, and proudly served his country with the 1881st Engineer Battalion in the Pacific Theater during World War II. "It is an honor to recognize Terry and to present him with a New York State Senate Liberty Medal," Sen. Griffo said.

"Veterans like Terry, who selflessly and bravely served his nation in the Army in the Pacific Theater during World War II, deserve to be commended and thanked for their service. On behalf of the residents of the 53rd Senate District, I extend my sincere gratitude to Terry for his dedication to his community, his state and his nation and his patriotism both at home and abroad."

The Liberty Medal is one of the highest civilian honors a New Yorker can receive. It is presented to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts and achievements on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers. 

A synopsis of Larkin's military service is below:

From December 1943 to September 1944, the aviation engineers not only participated in 10 major landings, but also facilitated and enhanced tactical and strategic air power for the air forces and supported ground combat units in driving the Japanese out of their respective areas. 

During his deployment, Corporal Larkin saw action in Luzon, Bismarck Archipelago, Southern Philippines and New Guinea, where he was wounded on a mission to observe a Japanese airstrip. 

On Dec. 5, 1945, Corporal Terrence R. Larkin was honorably discharged with a rank of Tec 5 from Fort Dix, New Jersey. 

For his meritorious service during World War II, Corporal Larkin was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal W/BR Arrowhead, Good Conduct Medal, Philippines Liberation Ribbon W/ 2 Bronze Stars, Purple Heart and World War II Victory Medal. 

IMAGE: New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome (right) presented on Thursday a New York State Senate Liberty Medal to Terrence "Terry" Larkin, a World War II veterans who lives in Forestport, NY. The Liberty Medal is one of the highest civilian honors a New Yorker can receive. It is presented to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts and achievements on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers.