State Representative Brett Hillyer Supports HB 578 with Floor Vote

COLUMBUS – State Representative Brett Hillyer (R-Uhrichsville) today announced House Bill 578 passed the Ohio House. This Legislation will name a portion of US Route 36 in Tuscarawas County the “Robert E. Turney Memorial Highway” and will name the overpass on Johnson Drive spanning U.S. Route 250, in Uhrichsville the “Specialist Ronald Gene Johnson Memorial Highway.”

Mr. Turney was born on July 15, 1919 and raised in Tuscarawas County. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Army before and during WWII from 1940-1945. Mr. Turney was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions in the North Africa campaign in 1943. During the Battle of Kasserine Pass, Mr. Turney emptied his weapon in an effort to hold of an enemy advance and stayed with a wounded soldier resulting in their capture. Released after a few days, Mr. Turney took part in the 1943 Invasion of Sicily. He was awarded the Purple Heart when he narrowly escaped death when wounded by mortar fragments to his chest and arms.

After the war, Mr. Turney worked for the Ohio Department of Transportation – Eastern Ohio District 11 in New Philadelphia from 1945 until his retirement in 1978. He witnessed the expanding highway system, installed signage; plowed snow covered roads, and proudly painted thousands of miles of center and edge lines. 

Robert Turney died on October 15, 1989. He was a genuine war hero, dedicated Ohio public employee, and loved Ohio highways.

Specialist Johnson was a resident of Uhrichsville, where he resided with his wife Judy. As you will hear from Sergeant McCray, and will read in Bob Michels’, Councilwoman Amy Myers’, and Specialist Johnson’s niece, Carla Jones’ written testimony, Specialist Ronald Gene Johnson was a true American hero. 

Specialist Johnson served in the Vietnam War, where he made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Specialist Johnson was killed by sniper fire just about 40 days before he was due to be discharged and return home to Uhrichsville. Even though Specialist Johnson was killed during combat, his leadership and courage enabled his squad to continue the assault and eventually overrun the enemy. Specialist Johnson received the Bronze Star with a “V” device designation, as well as a purple heart for his contributions.