Legislation Honoring Local Vietnam War Heroes Signed Into Law
March 6, 2020
Steve Wilson News
COLUMBUS—State Senator Steve Wilson (R-Maineville) joined Governor Mike DeWine and military families this week for the signing of House Bill 276, legislation honoring two local war heroes who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.
A portion of State Route 63 will be recognized as SFC John E. Conger, Jr. Memorial Highway. SFC Conger was determined to be missing in action on January 27th, 1969 while serving in Vietnam. On the day SFC Conger went missing, his unit, Company A, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Brigade, was conducting a search and destroy mission when they were taken under fire by enemy machine guns. SFC Conger attempted to take out the enemy machine gun nest when he was reportedly wounded in the shoulder and neck. None of the wounded could be reached as a result of the machine gun fire, and the Army changed his status to presumed dead in 1978. SFC Conger resided in Lebanon when he enlisted.
In addition, a portion of State Route 122 will be designated as SFC Charles E. Carpenter Highway. SFC Carpenter also served in Vietnam as a Green Beret with the 5th Special Forces Group. He was on his third tour of duty when he was killed by a small-arms fire during a hostile conflict. SFC Carpenter lived in Warren County when he enlisted.
“I am honored to be joined here today with the families of SFC Conger and SFC Carpenter,” said Wilson. “These road designations ensure that both of their legacies live on forever in each of their hometowns and also serve as a reminder for us to recognize the bravery of all men and women who protect our freedom.”
House Bill 276 was amended in Senate Transportation Committee last year to include other road designations from throughout the state. Over 35 Ohio families were present in this week's bill signing ceremony. A video of the ceremony is archived on OhioChannel.org.
In addition, a portion of State Route 122 will be designated as SFC Charles E. Carpenter Highway. SFC Carpenter also served in Vietnam as a Green Beret with the 5th Special Forces Group. He was on his third tour of duty when he was killed by a small-arms fire during a hostile conflict. SFC Carpenter lived in Warren County when he enlisted.
“I am honored to be joined here today with the families of SFC Conger and SFC Carpenter,” said Wilson. “These road designations ensure that both of their legacies live on forever in each of their hometowns and also serve as a reminder for us to recognize the bravery of all men and women who protect our freedom.”
House Bill 276 was amended in Senate Transportation Committee last year to include other road designations from throughout the state. Over 35 Ohio families were present in this week's bill signing ceremony. A video of the ceremony is archived on OhioChannel.org.