QUEENSBURY A dozen veterans in formal uniforms stood at attention Monday with resolute gazes as county and state officials recounted the military service of the late U.S. Army soldier Raymond F. Bleickhardt of Pottersville. The solemn recognition of Bleickhardts service to his country was the 71st Honor a Deceased Veteran ceremony held in Warren County since the program started in 2002. Bleickhardt served as a Heavy Truck Driver from March 1943 to October 1945 as a heavy truck driver in the European theater of the World War II. Lisa Manzi, representing U.S. Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, presented Bleickhardts widow Carol with a U.S. flag, to be flown one month over the county Municipal Center. He served bravely, she said, detailing Bleickhardts half-dozen medals, including the European -African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. Dan MacEntee, representing state Senator Betty Little, noted Bleickhardts service as he presented Carol Bleickhardt with the state Senate Liberty Award. The award was presented on behalf of the New York Division of Military and Naval Affairs. Bleickhardt served in four campaigns in the war. Bleickhardt was born in Chicago in 1924, but was raised in Pottersville, attending the local public schools. Upon his return to Pottersville, Bleickhardt worked as a heavy equipment operator, marrying Carol in 1955. County Veterans Services Director William McGarr noted Bleickhardts love of hunting, fishing and golfing until his passing in July 2006 at the age of 82.
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