TRENTON – In honor of United States Army Captain Gregory Thomas Dalessio, Governor Jon S. Corzine signed the following Executive Order calling for the United States and New Jersey flags to fly at half-staff on Wednesday, July 2, 2008.

The full text of the executive order is below.

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 102

WHEREAS, United States Army Captain Gregory Thomas Dalessio was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was raised in Cherry Hill, New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, Captain Dalessio enlisted in the Army after attending Seton Hall University’s ROTC program; and

WHEREAS, Captain Dalessio was assigned to the HHC, 2 nd Battalion, 6 th Infantry Regiment, 2 nd Brigade Combat Team, 1 st Armored Division, based in Baumholder, Germany; and

WHEREAS, Captain Dalessio was a dedicated soldier as well as a loving son, brother, and friend, whose memory lives in the hearts of his family and fellow soldiers; and

WHEREAS, Captain Dalessio died near Salman Park, Iraq, during a time of war while serving as a member of the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, Captain Dalessio has made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life in the line of duty, while fighting on behalf of his country; and

WHEREAS, Captain Dalessio has received some of our nation’s highest military honors, including the Posthumous Bronze Star Medal, Posthumous Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge Posthumous, and Meritorious Unit Commendation; and

WHEREAS, Captain Dalessio’s love for his family and friends, his patriotism, and dedicated service to his country and his fellow soldiers make it appropriate and fitting for the State of New Jersey to mourn and remember him, to mark his passing, and to honor his memory;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JON S. CORZINE, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

The flag of the United States of America and the flag of the State of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Wednesday, July 2, 2008, in recognition and mourning for a son of New Jersey and a brave and loyal American, United States Army Captain Gregory Thomas Dalessio.

This Order shall take effect immediately.