Honor A Veteran

Albany County Honors World War II Veteran Albert Gellman

Albany County Executive Mike Breslin and the Honor-A-Veteran Committee commemorated World War II veteran Albert E. Gellman at a ceremony on Monday, April 3, 2006, in the Cahill Room of the County Office Building at 112 State St. in Albany.

Gellman, a lifelong resident of Albany, attended Philip Schuyler High School.  He was called to duty in April of 1943 and served in the United States Army.  During his tour of duty in Italy, he showed much courage and valor, helping to capture German soldiers.  He received the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest award for combat heroism, as well as the Bronze Star with three battle stars and the NYS Conspicuous Service Cross.  He is currently one of 157 World War II Jewish War Veterans being considered for an upgrade to the Congressional Medal of Honor.

After his discharge, Gellman opened Al's Market on New Scotland Avenue until its closing in 1953.  In 1960 he became a distributor for Archway Cookies, retiring in 1980.  He was a member of the Albany Jewish War Veterans, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and the Albany City Lodge of Knights of Pythias.  Gellman was married for 60 years to his childhood sweetheart, Marion, and they had three children, Stephen, Toby and David.

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