PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor U.S. Army Specialist Five Samuel J. Jorgensen.

The ceremony will be Friday, July 7, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. (CT) at the Chamberlain Community Center (112 N. Main Street).

The Nelson Creek Bridge on SD HWY 50 will be dedicated to SP5 Jorgensen.

In connection with ground operations against a hostile force on February 14, 1970,  Jorgensen heroically distinguished himself while serving as a loader with Company M 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Calvary Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. Troop C, with Specialist Jorgensen's platoon attached, was summoned to aid an infantry unit who had engaged a well-entrenched enemy force. Upon arrival at the scene of contact, the tanks began to assault the enemy bunkers. Jorgensen’s tank was struck by a rocket propelled grenade.  Jorgensen died of multiple wounds.

Naming bridges in honor of our combat veterans who died while serving their country is an initiative of Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Departments of Military, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs.

“Whenever and wherever this nation has called, in times of darkness and danger, as well as in times of peace and prosperity, veterans have been there and have proudly carried the torch of liberty for all to see,” said Greg Whitlock, secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Our fallen heroes are no longer with us, but their memories live on in the hearts of their loved ones and our state,” said Whitlock. “Naming our South Dakota bridges in honor of our fallen gives us the opportunity for remembrance, reflection, and respect—for honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service to this nation. They cherished liberty and loved freedom enough to lay down their lives to preserve our way of life.”

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