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Letters to the Editor
Nearing this auspicious day, it is only fitting that Western New Yorkers honor Matt Urban the most decorated soldier in American history.
Audie Murphy, the Hollywood actor, received all the accolades and publicity for his heroic feats in World War II. However, serving bravely and heroically in that same war, Lt. Col. Matt Urban was the most decorated combat soldier in the 232-year history of our great country.
He was there at the beaches of Normandy France when the allies attacked “Fortress Europe.”
The enemy called Lt. Col. Urban the “Ghost” because he was wounded in seven separate combat battles. The enemy thought him mortally wounded each time, but he returned to action after recuperating to fight again.
Lt. Col. Urban received a Purple Hearts with 6 oak leaf clusters among a total of 29 combat medals. After 35 years wait he received the Congressional Medal of Honor for gallantry in action. He was also rewarded the Silver Star with I oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star, the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one Silver and one Bronze service star, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, the French Croix de Guerre with Silver Gilt Star, the Fourragere from Belgium and a civilian award of the New York State Conspicuous Cross with 4 Silver and one Gold Clusters.
On June 14th, Flag Day, a statute of out locally born hero will be erected at County Hall, 95 Franklin Street; a long overdue tribute! We citizens salute you. May you rest in peace!
Lt. Col. Urban was instrumental in preserving our Constitution and ensuring our freedoms; freedom of speech; freedom of the press; freedom to pursue information through the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) and through the National Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
I had intended to read the aforementioned at the recent Lancaster Town Board meeting but was ignored in my attempt to be recognized by the Town Supervisor. With public comment time remaining, and after asking a woman whether she was motioning to speak, and after she replied “no”, the Supervisor adjourned the meeting.
It was unfortunate that I was not allowed to speak on the gallantry of this local hero with the approach of Memorial Day, especially considering his actions were taken to preserve our freedom of speech, which I was denied at the recent Town Board meeting!
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© Copyright 2008 by Speakupwny.com
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