Ohio House Passes Rep. Schmidt's Bill to Designate Captain Louis "John" Speidel Memorial Highway

COLUMBUS— The Ohio House of Representatives Wednesday voted to pass House Bill 171, legislation to honor the late Captain Louis “John” Speidel, announced Representative Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland). 

Through HB 171, the eastbound and westbound lanes of State Route 28 between Castleberry Court and the Happy Hollow Road Overpass will now be known as “CPT Louis John Speidel Memorial Highway” —a stretch of roadway near where Captain Speidel grew up.

“Designating this highway is a small, but meaningful way to remember Capt. Speidel,” said Schmidt. “His friends and family approached me to ask if there was a way to name a portion of the road he grew up on in his honor. I was more than happy to help.”

Captain Speidel graduated from Milford High School in 1964 in the top 1% of his class. He continued his education at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned both Airborne and Ranger qualifications. After graduating in 1968, he underwent additional training at Ft. Knox, Ft. Walters, and Ft. Rucker, becoming a skilled helicopter pilot.

On April 23, 1971, during a mission in the A Shau Valley, Captain Speidel’s helicopter crashed, leaving both him and his co-pilot for 48 hours before being rescued. After undergoing surgery for his injuries, Captain Speidel passed away on June 25, 1971.

Captain Speidel was awarded numerous honors for his valor and service, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal, and others.

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.