Dedicates a portion of the state highway system to the Lemcke Brothers Military Service

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Robert Ortt says this is needed

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

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.