Seth M. Grove
10/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/18/2024 11:58
Grove Designates the Corporal William Emory Heilman Memorial Bridge at Ceremony in York County
Oct. 18, 2024
HARRISBURG - State Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) held a ceremony today to dedicate a bridge in York County to Cpl. William E. Heilman, along with members of the Stambaugh family and other community leaders.
"We gathered today to express our profound appreciation to Cpl. William Emory Heilman, a fallen hero of the Vietnam War," Grove said. "We remember and honor this courageous soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty with valor and an unwavering commitment to protect the freedoms we hold dear."
Heilman was born in York County on Sept. 11, 1947. Heilman entered the service of the United States Marine Corps on May 26, 1966, during the Vietnam War. Heilman served in the Third Marine Amphibious Force, H&S Company. He served in Vietnam for eight months until he was struck by an artillery rocket mortar on May 5, 1968, and passed away in South Vietnam, Quang Nam Province.
For his valiant service, Heilman was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal.
Grove also offered further thoughts on the Vietnam War and the extra debt owed to Vietnam veterans.
"After witnessing the most gruesome scenes ever created by man, these kids came home to be spat on by society. To be blamed for a war they did not start," Grove said. "To have their medical needs ignored by the same men who sent them. It is one of the darkest stains in our nation's history. One which we may never truly make up for."
"Through designating the bridge carrying Pennsylvania Route 74 over the Little Conewago Creek in his memory, it is my hope Cpl. William Emory Heilman's courage will continue to serve as a shining example for generations to come, inspiring us to protect and cherish the hard-won freedoms which we enjoy today. Most importantly, let it be a reminder to those who pass over to treat those who served with the commendation, praise and honor they deserved over 50 years ago. A reminder to say, 'thank you,'" Grove concluded.
The ceremony can be viewed in its entirety here.
Representative Seth Grove
196th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Charlie O'Neill
717.260.6121
[email protected]
RepGrove.com / Facebook.com/RepSethGrove
"We gathered today to express our profound appreciation to Cpl. William Emory Heilman, a fallen hero of the Vietnam War," Grove said. "We remember and honor this courageous soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty with valor and an unwavering commitment to protect the freedoms we hold dear."
Heilman was born in York County on Sept. 11, 1947. Heilman entered the service of the United States Marine Corps on May 26, 1966, during the Vietnam War. Heilman served in the Third Marine Amphibious Force, H&S Company. He served in Vietnam for eight months until he was struck by an artillery rocket mortar on May 5, 1968, and passed away in South Vietnam, Quang Nam Province.
For his valiant service, Heilman was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal.
Grove also offered further thoughts on the Vietnam War and the extra debt owed to Vietnam veterans.
"After witnessing the most gruesome scenes ever created by man, these kids came home to be spat on by society. To be blamed for a war they did not start," Grove said. "To have their medical needs ignored by the same men who sent them. It is one of the darkest stains in our nation's history. One which we may never truly make up for."
"Through designating the bridge carrying Pennsylvania Route 74 over the Little Conewago Creek in his memory, it is my hope Cpl. William Emory Heilman's courage will continue to serve as a shining example for generations to come, inspiring us to protect and cherish the hard-won freedoms which we enjoy today. Most importantly, let it be a reminder to those who pass over to treat those who served with the commendation, praise and honor they deserved over 50 years ago. A reminder to say, 'thank you,'" Grove concluded.
The ceremony can be viewed in its entirety here.
Representative Seth Grove
196th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Charlie O'Neill
717.260.6121
[email protected]
RepGrove.com / Facebook.com/RepSethGrove
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