East Fishkill Man Posthumously Awarded Highest Civilian Honor

An East Fishkill resident characterized for 'quiet' and 'selfless' contributions, was recently recognized for his service to the United States Navy, posthumously given the highest civilian honor one can be awarded.

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U.S. Navy Veteran Recognized by Senator Rob Rolison

During a July 17th "Honor a Veteran" program with support from Dutchess County and the Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs, the family of a dedicated veteran received the highest civilian award possible, on his behalf.

Paul Davidson, at the age of 18, enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and just one year later was among a small group assigned to an extremely dangerous assignment. Davidson would serve as an 'engineman' to a four-man crew of the River Patrol Force in Vietnam. His duties involved providing support for ground troops, NAVY SEALs and special operations forces in order to disrupt enemy forces' operations. As an operator for Patrol Boat River, he and the others on this small team would be responsible for 'intercepting boats, engaging enemy forces, and preventing the flow of arms. '

Davidson was discharged home in 1968.

According to the press release from Senator Rolison's Office, Davidson had quite a list of recognition and metals of service.

He is adorned with the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation and the Gallantry Cross Medal Color with Palm, in recognition of his service.

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Liberty Medal Posthumously Awarded to East Fishkill Resident

The Honor a Veteran program is designed to recognize a veteran for their service to the country during monthly events alongside family and friends. Davidson's recent posthumous recognition makes him one of a distinguished group of Liberty Medal recipients in New York State.

It was shared that Davidson's selection for the medal was authorized through an official Senate Resolution, and 'reflects his longstanding dedication to service, integrity and leadership.'

On Davidson's recognition, Senator Rolison shared the following:

Paul’s unwavering commitment to the people of our region, through his selfless volunteerism and dedication to improving the lives of others, epitomizes what the Liberty Medal stands for. When I worked with the Red Cross, Paul was one of our most dedicated volunteers and someone I counted as a friend. I was never aware of his distinguished military service because, like so many veterans, he didn’t speak of it. It was a special privilege to recognize him today—not just for his quiet service to our country, but for the lasting difference he’s made in our community.