State Senator Owen H. Johnson (4th Senate District,Babylon), Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented a plaque to Adolph "Ralph" Panetta at a special ceremony held at the Argyle Park Bandshell in Babylon Village. Last Veteran's Day, Johnson inducted Panetta into the New York State Senate's Online Veterans Hall of Fame.

Ralph Panetta is a distinguished WWII veteran of the United States Army who, by his merits and dedication, earned three major decorations for his service.

CPL Panetta earned the Silver Star for gallantry when, under heavy fire and disregarding the warnings of his commander, he went to the aid of a wounded comrade while also helping to hold off the enemy at a critical point in the battle.

He earned a Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in ground combat and a Purple Heart when, at just 19 years of age, he was wounded while attempting to neutralize a German machine gun nest. Panetta also earned the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross.