Photo by Warren Scott A bridge in Adena now bears the name of Army Specialist E4 Dale Stock, a local Vietnam War veteran who was killed when a mechanical failure caused the helicopter he was aboard to crash. During a service held in observance of National Vietnam Veterans Day, a wreath was placed on the bridge near a plaque noting Stock’s service, including his bravery in helping to rescue several wounded soldiers, by, from left, his cousin Todd Morris of Moundsville; Jim Soboleski, a friend of Stock’s and member of Adena American Legion Post 525; and Chris Kowalski of Cadiz, Stock’s cousin.

ADENA — Adena native and Army Specialist E4 Dale Stock is among more than 58,000 veterans who are memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, but Mayor Brenda Roski noted that with the dedication of a two-lane bridge near the community’s Village Green, “his legacy will stand even closer to home.”

At a service marking National Vietnam Veterans Day, Roski said it’s fitting that Stock, who demonstrated dedication, courage and love for his fellow soldiers, be remembered in such a way.

A flag bearing Stock’s name and photo flies at one end of the bridge while a large plaque on the other side shares information about the 20-year-old gunner who was among four killed when a mechanical failure caused their helicopter to crash about 30 seconds after departing from their lead ship on March 21, 1969.

Roger Sliva, chairman of Adena American Legion Post 525’s Vietnam War Commemorative Partner Program committee, noted the accident occurred just 21 days after actions by Stock that earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross and other military honors.

A military citation issued for Stock states that while aboard a UH-1C gunship providing cover for a medical evacuation ship, Stock “provided accurate expressive fire by leaning out of his ship and advising the pilot of the location of the enemy positions.”

It states that though he was exposed to shots from enemy machine guns, “His calmness under fire, extreme devotion to duty and valiant actions at the risk of personal injury contributed immeasurably to the successful evacuation of several wounded soldiers.”

Other military honors awarded to Stock included the Air Medal — First through Fifth Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon and Expert Badge with Rifle Bar.

Sliva, who graduated with Stock from Adena High School in 1966, recalled returning home from serving at Fort Dix, N.J., for Stock’s funeral.

“I can still see the look on Dale’s dad’s face. I can still see his mom grieving and his brother, Glenn,” he said.

Sliva said Dale’s mother revealed that in a letter home, her son had described the conditions in which the Vietnamese civilians lived as being “a pitiful state” and expressed hope that his service would help them.

In news reports at the time of Stock’s death, Glenn, who was then 16, said it was typical of his older brother to want to help others.

He and Stock’s parents have since died, but two cousins, Chris Kowalski of Cadiz and Todd Morris of Moundsville, were on hand to join Adena Toronto American Legion member Jim Soboleski in placing a wreath on the bridge bearing Stock’s name.

Kowalski said she grew up in Adena and her and Stock’s families often visited each other. Morris said his mother, Carolyn “Deedee” Hill Morris, spent a lot of time with her cousin in her youth.

“I think it’s such a great honor for him to be recognized,” Kowalski said.

Soboleski also knew Stock as a boy, having played football with him when they attended St. Casimir Catholic School.

Others in attendance who knew Stock included John Tonkovich and Steve Zupan, both of Adena, who both were his teammates on the Adena High School football team.

“He was a good guy and a good football player,” Tonkovich said.

“He was a lot of fun,” said Zupan, who joined Stock on the team’s defensive line.

He recalled having drinks with Stock a day or two before he left for the service.

“He signed up for four years because he wanted to go into aviation,” said Zupan, who noted Stock had more than one brush with death before he was killed in the accident.

A news report of his death at the time stated he had been involved in more than 25 aerial missions over hostile territory.

The crash that killed Stock also killed Capt. Richard Benicewicz, 1st Lt. Robert Dalton and Crew Chief Specialist 5 Renee Anthony Santos.

A sign posted near the gazebo where Saturday’s service was held notes at least five other Adena natives were killed during the war: Pvt. 1st Class Thomas Pizzino, in 1965; Cpl. Robert Vargo, in 1967; Pvt. 1st Class William Wymer and Maj. Russell Galbraith, both in 1968; and Maj. Elbert A. Welsh in 1971.

In her address to the many attending the event, the mayor expressed hope that the Specialist 4 Dale L. Stock Bridge will serve as a reminder of all Vietnam War veterans who served their country.

The Adena American Legion Post has worked to recognize veterans of the war through various events since March 29 was declared Vietnam War Veterans Day in 2017.

The commemoration serves to honor all who were on active duty from Nov. 1, 1955, when the first military advisers were deployed, to the mass evacuation on May 19,1975, regardless of their locations during the war.

Sliva noted, “All were called to serve and none could self-determine where they would serve.”

He said the many veterans “returned to a country deeply divided over the war. Their service was not met with gratitude and pride but by protests and disrespect.”

Sliva said the post is among local groups selected to honor those veterans through the Vietnam War Commemorative Partner Program.

On Saturday, he presented lapel pins to about 30 Vietnam War veterans in attendance and to many spouses of the veterans.

One side of the pin bears the words “Vietnam War Veteran” and an American eagle while the other reads, “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You.”

Sliva told the veterans, “We appreciate you. We salute you for your service. Welcome home.”