Campbell recognizes Medal of Honor recipient 2nd Lt. Harry J. Michael at West Lafayette road renaming

WEST LAFAYETTE – On Tuesday (June 7), State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) and the Indiana Department of Transportation unveiled a commemorative road marker honoring World War II-era Medal of Honor Recipient Lt. Harry J. Michael. In accordance with House Concurrent Resolution 18, a portion of the U.S. Highway 231 in West Lafayette is now called the “Harry J. Michael Memorial Highway” in memoriam of the soldier. 

“Second Lt. Michael showed bravery and grace serving our nation,” Campbell said. “His courage stopped at nothing–he defended his squadron fearlessly and fought bravely to the end. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to cement Second Lt. Harry J. Michael’s legacy as a true patriot, a defender of freedom, and a proud Hoosier.”

Harry J. Michael was a lifelong Hoosier born on March 13, 1922, in Benton, Ind., and grew up as a farm boy in Milford. He went on to study agriculture at Purdue University where he was called from his education to serve in the U.S. Army and put the needs of the nation first. During his time serving, Second Lt. Michael served as a rifle platoon leader for his company during an assault on Neiderzerf, Germany. He was shot and killed while investigating sniper fire directed at his company.

Second Lt. Michael is the only Purdue student or faculty member awarded the Medal of Honor.