WILL BE NAMED FOR FALLEN WORLD WAR II HERO
Section of State Route 19 in Town of Gainesville to become “T Sgt. Walter W. Shearing Memorial Highway”
ALBANY – Senator George Borrello has announced that a measure he sponsored to honor a fallen World War II hero through a memorial highway designation has passed the Senate and the Assembly.
Under Senate Bill 8338A, a section of State Route 19 in the Town of Gainesville, Wyoming County, will become the “T Sgt. Walter W. Shearing Memorial Highway.”
“Sergeant Shearing served our nation with valor and gave his life in defense of freedom while fighting fascism in Europe,” Sen. Borrello said. “We can never repay that debt. However, we can remember and honor Sgt. Shearing for the ultimate sacrifice he made for our nation. Dedicating a portion of Route 19 in the town where he was raised and where he grew into a young man who served his nation so courageously and honorably is one small way we can recognize his contributions and ensure future generations are aware that Sgt. Shearing and countless other selfless Americans gave their lives defending the liberties we cherish.”
Walter Shearing was born in the Town of Gainesville to parents who were farmers. Although eligible to avoid the draft because he qualified for a farm deferment, when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor Walter decided he needed to defend his nation and enlisted in the Army. Although he was asked to go to Officer Candidate School, he declined and became a drill instructor.
As D-Day approached, Walter wanted to be part of the effort. He was deployed overseas in 1944 and was placed in Patton’s 7th Army, the 324 Infantry Regiment, 44th division. He rose quickly to the position of technical sergeant. Although not part of the D-Day landing, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge, which was the largest and bloodiest single battle fought by the United States in World War II and the third-deadliest campaign in American history.
Sergeant Shearing was killed in action on April 17, 1945. He was 27 years old. For his valor and honor, he was awarded many medals, including two Bronze Star Medals with one oak leaf cluster each, the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantry Badge.
“I am proud to help honor Walter Shearing, a local hero who enlisted in the Army after Pearl Harbor despite being eligible for a farm deferment. Walter served in Patton’s 7th Army, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge in an effort to liberate Nazi occupied France and was killed in action in 1945 at age 27. Though our debt to this brave American can never be repaid, we can ensure his legacy is remembered and appreciated in his hometown,” said Assemblyman David DiPietro, who represents the 147th Assembly District.
“I would like to thank my colleague, Assemblyman David DiPietro, for his shared commitment to honoring Sergeant Shearing, for his partnership on this legislation and for shepherding the bill through the Assembly.
I urge Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the measure as soon as possible.”
I urge Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the measure as soon as possible.”
