By: Mary Perren, WKVI
Published: May 13th, 2014
The new bridge on U.S. 35 just south of U.S. 30 will soon be
named in honor of Starke County’s most decorated veteran. State Senator Jim
Arnold sponsored a resolution to name the structure after PFC Frank Ono, who
distinguished himself as a member of the U.S. Army’s Nisei 442nd Regimental
Combat Team during World War II. During a July 4, 1944 battle near Castellina,
Italy, Ono advanced ahead of his unit and single-handedly defended his position
against an enemy counter-attack. He then braved intense hostile fire to aide
two wounded comrades and voluntarily covered his unit’s withdrawal when retreat
became necessary. Ono was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his
heroic actions. During the 1990s, a review of service records for Asian
Americans who received the Distinguished Service Cross led to Ono’s award being
upgraded to the Medal of Honor. President Bill Clinton presented the award to
his surviving family members during a White House ceremony on June 21, 2000.
Arnold and Rep. Tom Dermody are both expected to speak at the dedication
ceremony on Saturday, May 24 at 1:30 p.m. It will take place north of the
bridge. Honor guards from all three Starke County veterans service
organizations will take part in the ceremony, as well as members of the Knox Redskin
Brigade and several county fire departments. Members of the public are
encouraged to attend.
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