Nominations are now open for inclusion on the list of South Shore Legends to be honored on the Wall of Legends at the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority for 2015. Nominees must have “imprinted the world” with accomplishments that resonate in and beyond Northwest Indiana. Individuals may have achieved notoriety here or elsewhere, and awards may be awarded posthumously. Continue reading
Starke County’s most decorated veteran is the recipient of another honor. PFC Frank Ono is among the latest South Shore Wall of Legends inductees. The wall is located at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond. Continue reading
The new bridge on U.S. 35 just south of U.S. 30 will soon be named in honor of Starke County’s most decorated veteran. State Senator Jim Arnold sponsored a resolution to name the structure after PFC Frank Ono, who distinguished himself as a member of the U.S. Army’s Nisei 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II. During a July 4, 1944 battle near Castellina, Italy, Ono advanced ahead of his unit and single-handedly defended his position against an enemy counter-attack. He then braved intense hostile fire to aide two wounded comrades and voluntarily covered his unit’s withdrawal when retreat became necessary. Ono was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroic actions. During the 1990s, a review of service records for Asian Americans who received the Distinguished Service Cross led to Ono’s award being upgraded to the Medal of Honor. President Bill Clinton presented the award to his surviving family members during a White House ceremony on June 21, 2000. Continue reading
