Shields Medals
STEPHEN P. DRISCOLL MEDAL OF VALOR
| The Medal of Valor is presented in the honor of Law Enforcement Officers who have made the 'supreme sacrifice' by giving their life in the line of duty. The presentation is made annually during the New York State Shields Police Memorial Breakfast in May - National Police Month. We pay homage to those families of law enforcement officers who were killed in the previous year, along with those who made the ultimate sacrifice many years ago. This is in keeping with our goal; to remind these special families, that their extended law enforcement family will never forget the contribution that they and their lost loved one have made to society. |
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S. GARY SCHILLER
PURPLE HEART
 The Purple Heart is the oldest American military decoration of military merit, originally established by George Washington in 1782. It was awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who had been killed or wounded in action against the enemy.
The New York State Shields 'Purple Heart' medal was designed in 1990 for the purpose of honoring law enforcement officers who have been wounded in the line of duty. Inspiration for this medal was due in large part to Shields member, S. Gary Schiller, a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient who was seriously wounded during the historic D-Day Invasion. Gary, a past New York Commander of the U.S. Military Order of the Purple Heart, has led us in the Pledge of Allegiance at our annual memorial breakfast and general membership meetings. Our great friend, S. Gary Schiller passed away on March 26, 1999. We are forever indebted to him for his dedication to the New York State Shields and to his valor in service of our country. The New York State Shields dedicate the 'Purple Heart' medal to our friends memory and to all U.S. Military personnel killed or wounded in action.
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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
Michael E. Neuner, Sr.
| In November of 1997, the New York State Shields announced the first recipient of this new medal : New York City Police Department - Police Officer Neil Forster; who was seriously injured in the line of duty. Tragically, less than one month later on December 11, 1997 after a heroic year long battle Neil Forster died from complications relating to the injuries he had suffered in the line of duty. The Distinguished Service Cross medal was established to honor the memory of a fallen hero, it now stands to memorialize two heroes, both having made the 'supreme sacrifice'.
The New York State Shields pledge their commitment to the memory of Michael & Neil and to the surviving families of these true heroes. |