MONTICELLO – The Sullivan County Veterans Service Agency has arranged for a Rolling V bus to transport mourners to Medal of Honor recipient Francis Currey’s funeral in Ravena (near Albany) on Saturday, October 12.
“Sullivan County and this nation have lost a man among men, a true hero, and one of our most cherished and honored citizens,” said County Legislature Chairman Luis Alvarez. “Born in Loch Sheldrake and raised by foster parents in Hurleyville after being orphaned, Francis Currey was among the last of our World War II veterans, especially Medal of Honor recipients, and his story continues to inspire to this day.”
An automatic rifleman with Company K, 120th Infantry, 30th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army in the latter half of the war, Sergeant Currey and his platoon were assigned to defend the small Belgian town of Malmedy. Facing a superior force of German tanks attempting to flank his battalion, Currey repeatedly braved enemy fire to inflict heavy losses and repel their advance, while also rescuing five American soldiers that had been pinned down.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, he was presented with the Belgian Order of Leopold, a Silver Star, a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts. In 2013, his portrait graced a U.S. Postal Service stamp, and the Town of Fallsburg and the County proudly celebrated him for many years at the annual Francis Currey Day.”
The bus will depart the Government Center in Monticello at 8 a.m. and is expected to arrive approximately one-half-hour before the 10:30 a.m. funeral. The timing of the return trip to the Government Center will be dependent on the length of the service, burial and meal stop. The bus has room for 44 passengers, and reservations can be made with the Veterans Service Agency at 845-807-0233 on a first-come, first-serve basis, with priority given to veterans.
The Babcock Funeral Home, 19 Pulver Avenue, Ravena will also host public visitation on Friday, October 11, from 4-7 p.m.
