VERSAILLES – The LCPL Gerald F. Subler Memorial Highway was dedicated Saturday Morning with more than 200 family, friends, dignitaries, and veterans attending the memorial service at Versailles’ K of C Hall.
Gerald Francis Subler, son of Helen and Robert Subler, was born in Versailles on December 30, 1947, and graduated from Ansonia High School in 1966. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and, following basic training, began his first 13-month Vietnam tour in 1966.
Subler’s second Vietnam tour while attached to the 1st Marine Division, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, B Company, beginning September 11, 1968. During his service in the Vietnam War, Marine Corps Lance Corporal Subler sustained hostile artillery rocket mortar in South Vietnam, Quang Nam Province, serving in a defensive position as a machine gunner. He lost his life on September 30, 1968, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.
Gerald’s heroic action earned him the Purple Heart Award. His family was given his honors, which include the Combat Action Ribbon, Marksmanship Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, the South Vietnam Gallantry Cross Palm Leaf Medallion Medal, USMC Rifle Sharpshooter Medal, and Vietnam Republic Military Merit Medal.
Gerald Subler siblings include Gene Subler, David Subler, Barb Niekamp, Mary Sterling, Joan Stover, and Greg Subler (deceased).
As master of Ceremonies, former State Representative Jim Buchy introduced Debbie Nisonger, Vice Regent of the Fort Greene Ville Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), who addressed the family and those in attendance.
“Fort Greene Ville Chapter of the American Revolution, a United States of America Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, would like to express our condolences to the family of Gerald F. Subler for the ultimate sacrifice he gave to his country,” Nisonger said.
“Our chapter is so blessed to have met so many wonderful Vietnam Veterans and take it very seriously in remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice, such as Gerald and the Subler family. The Subler family has shown such grace in shouldering the pride and patriotism that Gerald fought for.”
“Fort Greene Ville DAR is honored being a part of this highway dedication journey that the family bestowed upon us,” added Nisonger. “We are truly honored. We proudly instill this dedication upon our community to remember and never forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to our Nation.”
“I am here on behalf of our State Representative Angie King and our State Senator Susan Manchester who could not be in attendance today, but they have sent a commendation from the Ohio House of Representatives that was passed in December of 2024 when our current State Senator Susan Manchester was State Representative Manchester,” Buchy said, “so the two State Representatives sponsored this commendation.”
“As I represent our State Representative and our State Senator, I would like to read a portion of it,” Bucy continued.
The heroic traditions of our armed forces are an important part of our nation’s heritage. By giving freely of his time, energy, and abilities far beyond what was required or expected, Jerry Subler gained the appreciation and admiration of all those with whom he served and the gratitude of Americans everywhere. He provided valuable service to our country and established a record of achievement that will long stand as a hallmark worthy of emulation.
“And that is what we are doing today, is leaving everyone around here a lasting memory of this great Patriot,” Buchy stated.
Ben Thaeler, District Director for Congressman Warren Davidson spoke on behalf of Davidson and presented the Subler family an American Flag from the office of Congressman Davidson.
“On behalf of United States Congressman Warren Davidson, thank you all for your sacrifice of Gerald F. Subler,” Thaeler said. “On Panel 42W, Line 51 of the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial, you will find his name. We know that Gerald was a machine gunner. We know that 19 days into his second tour of duty in Vietnam he made the ultimate sacrifice, but we also know a lot about him in the time he spent here. We know that he was an Ansonia High School football player. He was a track and field athlete. He was a member of the FFA and a graduate of the class of 1966. He was a car guy and a horse enthusiast. He was very caring of his dairy cow. He was a Mass Server, and as Catholics, we believe he is with us every Sunday at Mass.”
“What we have seen here today and the community coming around the family honoring the memory of someone who made the ultimate sacrifice that we have made him proud, and I know that he is proud of all of you,” added Thaeler. “Thank you for your family sacrifice.”
John O’Brien, Ohio Deputy Director ODOT District 7 made a sign presentation of the new highway sign to the family.
Darke County Commissioners Matt Aultman, Aaron Flatter, and Marshall Combs were represented by Commissioner Combs, a United States Marine Veteran who presented the Subler family a Proclamation.
Ansonia Mayor Ted Adkins presented the family a Proclamation from the Village of Ansonia.
The Village of Versailles presented a Proclamation by Mayor Todd Dammeyer from the Office of the Mayor to the Subler Family.
Buchy introduced Nancy Subler, Gene Subler’s wife, and Gerald Subler’s sister-in-law for remarks representing the Subler Family.
“How do you go about getting a bill passed to have a highway dedicated to your brother-in-law’s memory? You ask a very qualified person, and her name is Debbie Nisonger,” Nancy said. “Thirteen months ago I wrote an essay about Gerald, provided priceless documentation of Gerald’s life, and presented it to Debbie, who has since become a good friend. Debbie submitted the paperwork and kept us informed every step of the way.”
“We received the exciting news in December, letting us know that we had been invited to Governor DeWine’s office to watch him sign House Bill No. 81. The portion of highway was picked for Gerald could not have been more perfect. The Brock and Frenchtown area is where they attended church is where Gerald and his siblings spent much of their youth.. The home they lived in was just south of Annie Oakley’s grave., Holy Family Church in Frenchtown is where they attended church services from 1910 to 1968. It is where Gerald’s funeral took place.”
“There are also joyful celebrations at that church. Gerald’s sisters, Barb, Mary, and Joan, were married to their spouses in that church, where I met Gene in 1969 while delivering flowers.”
“The church land was donated by the family ancestors in 1845, and five years later, the land was donated for the church cemetery. Unfortunately, I have never met Gerald, but I feel I have. I truly believe Gerald is watching over us and is very pleased and proud of his siblings, in-laws, numerous nieces, nephews, greats and great-greats.”
“September 11th, 1968 changed the dynamics of the Subler Family,” Nancy said. “Most of you know that the death of a loved one is not easy, but death due to war is a tough pill to swallow. Family roles were altered and the pain lingers for a long time. The best thing anyone can do to ease the pain is to honor someone who fought for our country and sacrificed his or her life. Thank you for helping us.”
Following the memorial service, family and friends met to unveil the LCPL Gerald F. Subler Memorial Highway sign.
