DARKE COUNTY – The Indian Creek Bridge located on SR 47 will be dedicated to fallen Darke County, Ohio, Vietnam War hero, Gene F. Morrison, who died in action on June 3, 1968.
State Representative Angie King of Ohio District 84 presented legislation to honor Morrison.
House Bill 81 was passed and signed by Governor DeWine in December 2024. The Indian Creek Bridge, located on SR 47, is near the Versailles city limits.
Fort GreeneVille DAR Chapter will host the Morrison family, friends, Veterans, classmates, and the community on Saturday, June 21 to dedicate Indian Creek Bridge in honor of Staff Sergeant Gene Francis Morrison. Also assisting will be the Versailles Veterans Honor Guard and Wapakoneta Vietnam Veterans of America # 1126. Jim Buchy will be the Master of Ceremonies.
Gene Francis Morrison was born on May 29, 1939, in Versailles and was a 1958 graduate of Versailles High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps right after graduation in 1958 and began his Vietnam tour on October 27, 1967. Morrison served with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team at Dong Ha Marine Combat Base, located in Vietnam’s 1 Corps, near the DMZ with the rank of Staff Sergeant. During his service in the Vietnam War, he was gravely wounded on May 26, 1968 in South Vietnam, Quang Tri province and succumbed to injuries on June 3, 1968. He is buried at Mobile National Cemetery, Mobile, Alabama.
Gene’s heroic actions earned him the Purple Heart Award. His family was given his honors, which also included: Medal of Honor, Good Conduct, Marksmanship, Vietnam Service, National Defense Service, Republic of Vietnam Campaign, Air Ground Team, Marine Amphibious Force Explosive Ordinance.
The June 21 dedication will take place at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 8440 OH-47, Versailles, Ohio, at 1 p.m., followed by the bridge sign unveiling. Light refreshments will be served. The public is invited to attend the ceremony.
