State Highway In Allegany County Memorializes World War II Officer Awarded Medal Of Honor And Purple Heart

ALBANY, NY (08/09/2012)(readMedia)-- New York State Department of Transportation Regional Director Brian Kelly, together with state and local officials, today officially unveiled a section of Route 19 in Allegany County, naming it in honor of Almond E. Fisher, a Congressional Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipient.

"On behalf of Governor Andrew Cuomo, the New York State Department of Transportation is proud to honor Mr. Fisher," said New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald. "The designation of this section of Route 19 and the signs we are installing will always remind travelers of Mr. Fisher's dedicated service and his heroic actions in battle. His bravery and selflessness to not only his platoon, but to his community, his state and his country, will always be remembered."

Signs have been installed designating the section of Route 19 in the Town of Hume, Allegany County, as the "Almond E. Fisher Memorial Highway." The designation stretches from Route 19's intersection with Allegany County Road 3 to the Wyoming County border. Mr. Fisher was born in Hume and later lived in Wyoming County.

As a second lieutenant during World War II, he led a platoon attack on an enemy-held hill positioned near Grammont, France, in 1944. Despite wounds to his feet during heavy combat, 2nd Lt. Fisher refused medical attention and crawled to his men to encourage them during battle and check their positions. He worked his way alone to within 20 feet of the enemy gun crew, opened fire and single-handedly destroyed five enemy positions.

For his actions, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for courageous service in 1945. Before he retired from the Army, he was also awarded the Purple Heart, the Conspicuous Service Award and the Meritorious Service Award.

Mr. Fisher retired as a U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel in 1947. He died in 1982 at the age of 68 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetary. Today's ceremony to publicly reveal the roadside signs was held at the Fillmore-William P. Brooks Hose Company in Fillmore.

Governor Cuomo signed the legislation in August 2011. Senator Catharine M. Young and Assemblyman Daniel J. Burling sponsored the legislation.

Senator Young said, "Almond E. Fisher not only served with great distinction in the United States Army, he provided years of leadership and service on behalf of veterans. It was an incredible privilege for me to sponsor legislation renaming a portion of State Highway 19 in Hume in honor of a local hero. Our veterans deserve the utmost respect, and I am thankful for the opportunity to recognize Almond E. Fisher for his courage, dedication and years of service to our country. I also want to thank Assemblyman Burling for passing the bill in his house and Governor Cuomo for signing it into law. It truly was a team effort."

Assemblyman Burling said, "As a combat veteran, it was an honor and privilege to carry the legislation in the Assembly designating a portion of State Highway 19 in the Town of Hume that commemorates Almond E. Fisher, a soldier at age 17, who was dedicated to his men and their mission during World War II. He received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroism, a Purple Heart and many other awards. This commemorative highway is a fitting tribute to a man who was recognized for his actions and who devoted his career to serving veterans and their families. I am pleased to have worked with Senator Cathy Young on this permanent memorial and thank Governor Cuomo who signed this legislation into law."

Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio said, "Almond E. Fisher is an American hero, a United States Army World War II combat veteran who led his platoon in hand-to-hand combat in France. Lt. Col. Fisher was born in the Town of Hume, Allegany County, and remains a true hometown hero. I'm proud to be part of this dedication for Congressional Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipient Almond E. Fisher."

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