A portion of State Highway Route 35 in Laurence Harbor may soon be designated as the “James Francisco and Walter Schmidt Memorial Roadway.”
A bill sponsored by State Sen. Owen Henry, former mayor of Old Bridge, was received favorably by the state Senate Transportation Committee in March. The state Senate approved the legislation on March 23.
“James Francisco and Walter Schmidt answered the call of duty with courage and selflessness, serving their country with honor,” Henry said. “Their bravery and sacrifice deserve to be remembered by future generations, and this designation ensures their legacy will live on in the community they proudly called home.”
Costs associated with producing, purchasing, erecting, and maintaining signs bearing the designation will come from private sources, not public funds.
James Leonard Francisco was born on Feb. 18, 1948 and grew up in Laurence Harbor before beginning his tour in the U.S. Army in December 1968, according to the bill. He held the rank of Private First Class in the light weapons infantry where he was attached to the 9th Infantry Division, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, D Company.
Francisco was killed in action during the Vietnam War in South Vietnam, Kien Hoa Province on February 5, 1969. He was 20 years old. He is remembered as a Purple Heart recipient who died protecting his country.
Walter James Schmidt was born on Jan. 15, 1944 in Laurence Harbor and served in the U.S. Army where he attained the rank of Specialist 4. He was attached to Company B, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry and received the Silver and Purple star.
Schmidt was killed in action on Nov. 8, 1966 in South Vietnam, Tay Ninh province. He was 22 years old. He was awarded a Silver Star for gallantry in action against a hostile force while participating in Operation Attleboro.
“For their service to their country and this state, it is fitting and proper for the Legislature to honor the lives of James Francisco and Walter Schmidt by designating the portion of State Highway Route 35 in Laurence Harbor as the ‘James Francisco and Walter Schmidt Memorial Roadway,’ the bill stated.
Signs will be erected bearing the designation and dedication.
