Senate Bill S9061

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S9061

SPONSOR: ORTT
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the highway law, in relation to dedicating a portion of
the state highway system to the Lemcke Brothers Military Service

 
PURPOSE:

To rename a portion of the state highway system constituting state route
18, known as Parma Center Road, in the town of Parma, county of Monroe,
from the intersection of route 18 and 261, known as Manitou Road, to its
intersection with state route 259, known as Hilton Parma Corners Road,
shall be designated and known as the "Highway Dedicated To The Lemcke
Brothers Military Service".

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 outlines the portion of highway to be renamed.

Section 2 outlines that the renaming is ceremonial, and that the commis-
              

sioner of transportation shall install and maintain the signage for the
designation.

Section 3 is the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

On January 19th, 1914, Arthur and Myrtle Lemcke started a marriage which
over their life would produce 16 children. Eight (8) of their sons would
go on to serve in the United States Military, and an additional six (6)
sons in law would carry on the legacy of a family committed to service.

The Lemke Brothers have earned several medals and honors for their mili-
tary service, ranging from a Bronze Star to a Purple Heart. After the
Lemcke Brothers' service, descendants of the Lemcke Brothers continue to
serve in the United States Military, with several sons and nephews
sacrificing as much as their life in defense of our nation. Arthur Jr.
and Howard Lemcke, the eldest Lemcke brothers, both served in the Army
stationed at Camp Blanding in Florida. The base trained many combat
infantry which replenished the front lines in Europe. Arthur was honor-
ably discharged in 1945, and Howard was honorably discharged in 1944.

Richard Lemcke served in the Army from 1944 to 1946, and from 1950 to
1951. He served in World War II as an Army Policeman. He was honorably
discharged in 1946. He was later recalled for duty in the Korean War and
served again as a Military Policeman. Richard' again was honorably
discharged in September of 1951.

Robert Lemcke served in the Army from 1944 to 1945. He served in the
Company F 7th infantry stationed in the Rhineland and Central Europe, a
location which became the epicenter of intense fighting during the war
when the allies overwhelmed German defenders. Robert was honorably
discharged in December of 1945.

John Lemcke served in the Army from 1945 to 1946. He served in the 84th
Ordnance Depot Company as a Crane Operator in Nagoya Japan. John was

honorably discharged in 1946. John was asked to reenlist in 1949 to
serve in the Korean War, but never received orders to report.

Allen Lemcke served in the Army from 1949 to 1952. He served in the
484th Engineer Construction Company. He later went to school to become a
Flame Thrower in 1950. In September of 1950, Allen was injured during a
battle in South Korea. He sustained a concussion, bums, and shrapnel
wounds while retreating. Allen also retrieved a fellow injured service-
man and brought him to safety. Allen received for actions the Combat
Infantryman's Badge, Good Conduct Medal, a Unit Citation, a Bronze Star,
and a Purple Heart. Allan was later honorably discharged in January of
1952.

Gerald Lemcke served in the Navy from 1951 to 1953. He was stationed in
North Africa and received the National Defense Service Medal. Gerald was
honorably discharged in December of 1953.

Lawrence Lemcke served in the Army from 1956 to 1958, and in the Army
Reserve from 1958 to 1962. During his time in the Army, he served as a
Medical Specialist at the 17th Field Hospital at Fort Devins. He
received a Good Conduct Medal for his service. He continued to serve
after 1958 in the Army Reserve until being honorably discharged due to
completion of his term of service in November of 1962.

The two remaining Lemcke brothers Harold & Donald were each issued.
Exemptions from Military Service.

In addition to all the Lemcke brothers, husbands of all six Lemcke
sisters; Hazel, Florence, Helen, Shirley, Betty Lou, and Jean served in
the United States Military, four during World War II.

In 1944, Kenneth Carl, husband to Shirley, was captured as a prisoner of
war for one year by the Nazis in Germany. He ultimately was freed at the
end of the war and was recognized for his sacrifices as a Prisoner of
War.

David Lemcke, son of Howard Lemcke served in the US Army on the Viet-
namese front lines. He and several members of his group were in a forti-
fied ammunition bunker when a gun was accidentally discharged, causing
an intense explosion and fire. David, and several others were trapped in
the bunker, unable to escape. He was listed as Missing In Action, and
presumed dead for over 30 years. The Vietnamese Government allowed an
excavation on the site of the bunker, and some of Davids remains were
found and returned home for military burial.

From service in World War II to Vietnam and beyond, the Lemke Brothers,
their family, and descendants have served as an example to our communi-
ty, state, and nation as to what true selfless service and patriotism is
in the defense of achieving American freedom and liberty.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately