ALBANY – Senator George Borrello announced that legislation he sponsored to rename State Route 19 in the Town of Gainesville as the “T Sgt. Walter W. Shearing Memorial Highway” has been signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul.
Walter Shearing was a young man who was killed in action while serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. Senator Borrello sponsored legislation to memorialize his sacrifice by renaming a section of road in his hometown of Gainesville, Wyoming County. Companion legislation was sponsored by Assemblyman David DiPietro.
"Sergeant Shearing bravely served our nation and made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against fascism in Europe," stated Sen. Borrello. "While no tribute can fully repay the debt we owe him, we can and must honor Sgt. Shearing’s memory and the legacy he left behind. By dedicating a portion of Route 19 in the very town where he was raised—a place that shaped him into a courageous and honorable young man— we not only recognize his heroic contributions but also ensure that future generations understand the price of freedom. Sgt. Shearing, along with countless other selfless Americans, gave his life defending the liberties we hold dear, and this dedication stands as a lasting reminder of that sacrifice."
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.
"On this Veterans Day, Sgt. Shearing's sacrifice serves as a powerful reminder that freedom comes at a great cost. I extend my gratitude to Assemblyman DiPietro for co-sponsoring this legislation and to Governor Hochul for enacting it into law. With this law, New York State pays tribute to Sgt. Shearing’s legacy and honors all who have laid down their lives to protect the freedoms we cherish,” concluded Sen. Borrello.