OCONTO, WI (WTAQ) – A bridge that spans the Oconto River has been dedicated to a local fallen soldier.
The Highway 41 bridge will bear Pfc. Valentine Warrichaiet’s name.
Warrichaiet was the only Oconto citizen to be killed in action during the Korean War.
Governor Scott Walker signed the bill into law Thursday with Warrichaiet’s brothers, classmate, and friend in attendance.
The bill was authored by Rep. John Nygren.
Warrichaiet served in the United States Army and arrived in Korea in April 1953.
He was acting as a squad leader on “Pork Chop Hill” when he lost his life.
For his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
