SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND & GIBSON STATEMENTS ON KINGSTON POST OFFICE RENAMING CEREMONY IN HONOR OF WORLD WAR II MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT ROBERT H. DIETZ
Schumer, Gillibrand & Gibson: Dedication of Kingston Post Office in Staff Sergeant Dietz’s Name Is a Fitting Memorial to Honor His Heroic Service
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Congressman Chris Gibson today released the following statements on the Kingston Post Office renaming ceremony in honor of Kingston native and World War II hero, Staff Sergeant Robert Dietz.
“Staff Sgt. Robert Dietz was a true American hero – and the newly renamed Kingston Post Office will be a lasting tribute to his courage and service. I was honored to help pass the legislation that made this a reality, and it is my hope that all those who enter the ‘Staff Sgt. Robert Dietz Post Office’ will be reminded of the incredible sacrifice and bravery displayed by a man who was so much a part of this community and who embodied the true spirit of selflessness and service,” said Senator Schumer.
“Staff Sergeant Robert Dietz bravely served our nation during World War II and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms,” said Senator Gillibrand. “He is truly an inspiring example of courage. I was proud to sponsor the legislation for this renaming in memory of the hometown hero from Kingston.”
“As a veteran, I was especially proud to introduce legislation in the House honoring this great American hero, and I look forward to joining the people of Kingston tomorrow as they gather together to celebrate Sergeant Dietz at the building that will bear his name for generations to come,” said Congressman Gibson. “I want to thank Senators Gillibrand and Schumer and the many Hudson Valley veterans who supported this effort.”
Schumer, Gillibrand and Gibson introduced the Senate and House bills that passed with bipartisan support to rename the Kingston Post Office in honor of Staff Sergeant Dietz.
Staff Sgt. Robert Dietz enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and served in Company A, 38th Armored Infantry Battalion, 7th Armored Division. He was killed in action during a mission in WWII after advancing through enemy fire in Germany to disconnect bridge demolition charges and neutralize artillery teams defending the road into town. Staff Sgt. Dietz was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in December 1945 for his service.
The text of Staff Sergeant Dietz’s Medal of Honor citation from the U.S. Army reads, “By his intrepidity and valiant effort on his self-imposed mission, single-handedly opened the road for the capture of Kirchain and left with his comrades an inspiring example of gallantry in the face of formidable odds.”
The renaming ceremony is scheduled to take place Saturday, April 2nd at 11 AM at the Post Office on Cornell Street. Gibson and representatives from the offices of Schumer and Gillibrand will join USPS officials, Kingston leaders, and SSG Dietz’s nephew in renaming the Post Office.
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