Oneida Times

New York State Senator Joseph Griffo and Assemblyman Brian Miller recently recognized Kenneth Thayer, a 99-year-old World War II veteran from Clinton, for his outstanding military service. Thayer served as a combat infantryman in the U.S. Army's 30th Infantry Division during the war and was among the first Allied soldiers to cross into the Netherlands before Operation Market Garden.

During his eleven-month tour from July 1944 to May 1945, Thayer participated in key campaigns and earned several honors, including the Distinguished Service Cross, two Bronze Stars, four Purple Hearts, and the Presidential Unit Citation Medal. After retiring from a supervisory role at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, he was honored by Limburg Province and presented to Dutch royalty for his role in liberating the Netherlands.

Senator Griffo awarded Thayer with a New York State Senate Liberty Medal for his heroic service. "It is an honor to present a New York State Senate Liberty Medal to Kenneth and to recognize his selfless and decorated service to our nation," Griffo stated. Assemblyman Miller also issued a proclamation honoring Thayer's commitment. "It is a profound privilege to honor Kenneth Thayer for his extraordinary service to our nation," Miller remarked.

Thayer authored two volumes titled "The Young Liberators" and served as National Vice President of the Air Force Association. He also contributed significantly as Treasurer for the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which named a building after him in Utica in 2023.