A bridge along South Dakota Highway 49 over Moccasin Creek just north of Hamill will be named in honor of Specialist Fourth Class Thomas L. Zeigler.
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will host the dedication ceremony Friday (July 18, 2025) at 2pm CT at the American Legion in Winner (133 E. 3rd Street).
Zeigler was born on December 22, 1949, in Winner. He was drafted into the Army in 1969. He served as a Specialist Fourth Class and squad leader with Company C, 5th Battalion, 46th Infantry Regiment, 198th Light Infantry Brigade during the Vietnam War. On March 22, 1971, one month before he was due to return home, Zeigler volunteered to take the point position for a fellow soldier and was killed in action during an ambush (in Quang Tin Province).
State Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jeremiah Schneider says it’s an honor to recognize the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. He says the bridge dedications serve as lasting symbols of gratitude and respect, connecting South Dakota communities with the legacy of those who served in our country’s military.
The Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedication Program is a joint effort between the South Dakota Departments of Military, Transportation and Veterans Affairs.
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