Bridges Named in Honor of Randolph Vietnam War Heroes

RANDOLPH – Senator George Borrello announced that bills he sponsored to rename bridges on Interstate 86 in honor of Randolph-area Vietnam War heroes Corporal William James Hillard II and Sergeant David Lockwood were signed by Gov. Cuomo on Friday.

The Cpl. William James Hillard II Memorial Bridge crosses West Main Street in Randolph. Corporal Hillard was killed in action on March 15, 1969, in Quang Ngai, Vietnam, just 15 days after his 21^st birthday.

The Sgt. David Lockwood Memorial Bridge crosses Schoolhouse Road in Randolph. Following his service, Sgt. Lockwood graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology and worked as an engineer until his death in 2018.

“I’m humbled and incredibly grateful to have this opportunity to recognize the courage and sacrifice of Cpl. Hillard and Sgt. Lockwood. Cpl. Hillard made the ultimate sacrifice and Sgt. Lockwood persevered through tremendous hardships in defense of liberty and democracy. That’s a debt we can never repay,” Senator Borrello said. “These bridges will stand as a testament to their selflessness and courageous service to our country. I want to thank Gov. Cuomo for signing legislation making these designations permanent.”

Cpl. Hillard received a Purple Heart, two Bronze Star Medals, one Oak Leaf Cluster, a Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm and the Presidential Unit Citation.

Sgt. Lockwood received the Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, two Bronze Star Medals, three Silver Star Medals and the Expert Rifle (M-14) Badge.

“Cpl. Hillard and Sgt. Lockwood are heroes who served their country with honor and distinction. Renaming these bridges in their honor is a fitting tribute,” Senator Borrello said. “These bridges will remind all who cross them that the freedoms we enjoy as Americans were made possible by people like Cpl. Hillard and Sgt. Lockwood.”

Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio sponsored companion legislation marking the designations in the New York State Assembly.

“I am very proud to stand with Assemblyman Giglio to honor Cpl. Hillard and Sgt. Lockwood and I want to thank him for shepherding these bills through the Assembly,” Senator Borrello said. “Now, more than ever, it is important that we remember and honor those who served and sacrificed for our great nation.”