Press Release

Gillibrand Pays Tribute To World War II Veteran, Secures Posthumous Medals For His Family Members

May 26, 2015

Saratoga Springs, NY – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced today that she secured posthumous medals for the family of WWII veteran Robert Maloney. After receiving a request for assistance from his family, Senator Gillibrand secured the Bronze Star Medal and 5 other military service medals.

“We must never forget our brave service men and women who risked their lives to protect and defend our freedom,” said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “I am pleased the late Sergeant Maloney’s family finally received the honors he earned for his brave service. These medals are a token of gratitude to Sergeant Maloney and his family for their sacrifice.”  

“As Memorial Day approaches and our recent loss of our Dad in 2012, having his medals to put with his flag means the world to our family,” said Victoria Gettings, daughter of Robert Maloney. “My father was not one to talk about his time in the service.  He lost a lot of friends.  We want our children and the generations to come to know that their Grandfather was an honorable man who served his Country, willing to lay down his life to safeguard ours.”

Robert Maloney passed away in 2012 from natural causes. His daughter accepted the medals on his behalf; in addition to the Bronze Star Medal he received the American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII.

During WWII, Robert Maloney was based in Honolulu, Hawaii at Schofield Barracks during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was later stationed in Queensland, Australia, New Guinea and The Philippines. When Maloney was stationed in Ft. Knox, Kentucky, he married army soldier Frances Prager. They were married until she passed away in 2007 after 61 years.

Mr. Maloney is survived by five children and twelve grandchildren.