Clarendon veteran receives special service award

Like many young men of his era, William Jarosinski, who grew up in Rochester, was drafted into the army during the Vietnam War. Jarosinski took basic training at Fort Dix and then advanced training at Fort Knox before being shipped off for a one-year tour in Vietnam.

During 1968-69, Jarosinski served in the First Infantry Division, attaining the rank of sergeant as a squad leader. He was wounded, taking gun shots to the neck, chest and abdomen. After recovering from his injuries and being discharged, Jarosinski returned to the Rochester-area. He came home highly decorated – three Purple Hearts, a Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star and various other personal and unit citations.

Just a few weeks ago, on October 14, Jarosinski was awarded the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, awarded for service marked by bravery and special accomplishments. The Cross was presented by Assemblymember Robin Schimminger (140th district).

New York’s highest service award came to Jarosinski 31 years after he went to war for his country. It was only last year while Jarosinski was in the VA hospital that a staff member realized that Jarosinski probably qualified for the special award.

Jarosinski and his wife, Barb, moved to Clarendon 22 years ago. Retired now, Jarosinski is active in several veterans’ organizations including the Holley VFW, the American Legion in Holley, and Vietnam Veterans of America. He and Barb have two adult children who attended Holley Central School , Tracy who was a stand-out soccer player, and Keith who recently completed a Ph.D. in biotechnology immunology.

Jarosinski said he still keeps in touch with one buddy from his Army days, a man who lives in Minnesota. Otherwise, he’s been glad to meet and get to know other men from the Holley area who served in Vietnam.