The South Dakota Transportation Commission has approved 19 applications for “Fallen Hero Bridge Dedications” to take place this year (2025).
Department of Transportation Operations Manager Craig Smith says they typically do 12, but decided to do more this go-round.
In some instances, Smith says which bridge a fallen hero’s name will be attached to is still being worked out.
Transportation Commission chair Chris Frick says its worth attending a dedication ceremony.
In central South Dakota:
- Army Private Leroy Goosen will be honored with a bridge near Onida in Sully County. He was killed on Oct. 8, 1952, during the Korean War
- Army Private First Class Mark Shields will be remembered with a bridge over Crow Creek on South Dakota Highway 20, north of Chamberlain in Buffalo County. He was killed Aug. 16, 1950, during the Korean War.
- Army Private First Class Fred Larson will have his name attached to the east causeway bridge by Pollock. During Vietnam, Larson and his team were searching an enemy dwelling on April 24, 1970, when an explosive device accidentally detonated. Larson was killed in the blast.
- Army Specialist Fourth Class Thomas Ziegler will be honored with a bridge on South Dakota Highway 49 near Hamil in Tripp County. He was killed March 22, 1971, during Vietnam.
A total of 14 ceremonies will be held to honor the 19 fallen military members selected for this year. Six of the bridge namings will be held together on Veterans Day.
South Dakota has dedicated 53 bridges honoring 59 fallen veteran heroes since 2019.
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