Michael Honored At Road Dedication Ceremony At Purdue
Michael Honored At Road Dedication Ceremony At Purdue
Posted
Staff Report-
Michael Honored At Road Dedication Ceremony At PurdueOn 11 a.m. April 26, a ceremony was held at Purdue University in the armory to honor Harry J. Michael, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient.
With Michael’s five missions, three single-handed and two with his platoon, Purdue University wanted to honor the Milford native by naming a stretch of highway around Purdue the Harry J. Michael Memorial Highway, according to a provided news release. Sen. Ron F. Altin, Rep. Chris Campbell and Rep. Sheila Klinker presented the honor.
At the honorary road dedication ceremony for Michael was a listing of the program speakers. The introduction was by Dusty Hamacher; a letter from the president of Purdue, Mitch Daniels, was read; then there was a presentation by Chris Campbell. Remarks were made by family member Rich Rhodes, Michael’s nephew. Other family members of Michael who were unable to attend the ceremony were nephew Jack Michael, Portage, Mich.; and two of Michael’s nieces: Kathy Michael, Mesa, Ariz.; and Julie Schache, Fowlerton.
After family remarks by Rhodes was a speaker introduction by Len Wilson U.S. Marine Corp veteran.
And then the keynote speaker was the only living Medal of Honor recipient in Indiana, Sammy Davis.
Davis played “Shenandoah” on his harmonica to honor Michael.
The framed plaque from the Indiana General Assembly states the bill to name the stretch of roach around Purdue the Harry J. Michael Memorial Highway was introduced by Reps. Chris Campbell, Thomas E. Saunders and Klinker. The bill was sponsored by Altin.
A second framed plaque of the proclamation read: “State of Indiana, State Sen. Ronnie F. Altin hereby proclaims U.S. Medal of Honor recipient Second Lieutenant Harry J. Michael be recognized for his exemplary military service during this honorary mile road dedication on this day, April 26, 2022.”
