Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) recently honored William C. Patterson for receiving the 2023 Oswego Veteran of the Year from the City of Oswego Veterans Council. He served in both Korea and Vietnam.

While serving in the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam, Sgt. Patterson, at age 20, was awarded two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star with a “V” device for heroic action in Vietnam. He received the award for bravery, leadership and devotion to duty when he took command and led his men to defeat enemy forces after his platoon leader was seriously injured.

Mr. Patterson was also a key member of Laborers Local 633 where he spent years working at Oswego County nuclear facilities. He currently serves on the council at Oswego VFW Post #5885 where he is an active life member.

William has three children, Lisa, Floyd and Wayne and is Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow’s grandfather. “I was honored to present William with a citation for being named Veteran of the Year and thank him for his service with his family by his side,” Barclay said.