‘Corporal Uzenski Memorial Highway’ Named
Road Dedicated In Honor
Of Fallen Franklin Marine
FRANKLIN – A portion of Route 357 in northern Delaware County today was dedicated in memory of the Marine Corps corporal from Franklin who was killed Jan. 11, 2010, in an ambush in Helmond Province, Afghanistan.
The corporal’s family, mother Lisa Uzenski, sister Cassidy Uzenski and grandparents James and Audrey Archibald, joined state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, and Assemblyman Clifford Crouch, R-Bainbridge, at a ceremony designating the road “Corporal Nicholas K. Uzenski Memorial Highway.”
“As motorists travel through Franklin and see the signs commemorating Corporal Uzenski. I hope they are reminded of his valor, courage, and service to our nation,” said Seward.
“This highway dedication is but a small token of appreciation, recognition and gratitude for fallen American heroes like Corporal Uzenski,” said Crouch.
Uzenski, 21, sustained fatal injuries when his unit was ambushed during a reconnaissance mission. He and two other Marines were killed, but their actions were credited with saving the rest of their team.
The Marine was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the NATO International Security Assistance Service Medal, the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Purple Heart.
Legislation sponsored by Seward and Crouch approved the new designation, which applies to Route 357 between Route 28 and the Franklin/Sidney line.
The senator also presented the corporal’s family with the state Senate’s Liberty Medal, awarded to soldiers killed in action.