WW II veteran honored by legislator

Press release - Erie County Legislator Timothy M. Wroblewski (D-West Seneca, South Cheektowaga) proudly led the honoring of a West Seneca World War II veteran during the County Legislature’s May 28 session.

Legislator Wroblewski presented McCoy with a proclamation from the County Legislature in honor of McCoy being named a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor from the government of France for his service with the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II. McCoy made a combat jump into Normandy on D-Day at age 19, and also served in Holland, the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge, the Rhineland and other parts of Germany and Central Europe during his service as a sergeant and rifleman.

“I am both proud and humbled to be able to help honor Mr. McCoy, a true American hero, for his service to his country during World War II and for helping liberate France and other parts of Europe from German occupation,” Legislator Wroblewski, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, said. “Mr. McCoy proved to be one of the best of what has been called ‘The Greatest Generation,’ and during his service, he was wounded twice. We wholeheartedly join the government of France and all freedom loving people in thanking Mr. McCoy for his service.”

During his U.S. Army service, McCoy was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart with an oak leaf cluster, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, 4 Battle Stars for the European, African Middle and Mid Eastern Campaign, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, New York Service Cross, New York Service Star, the Fourage from France and the Fourage from Belgium.

McCoy’s decree naming him a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor was signed by Nicolas Sarkozy, the President of the French Republic.