The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Gordon J. Lippman.

The ceremony will be Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. (MT) at St. Rose of Lima Community Hall in Hill City (305 Pine Street).

The Spring Creek Bridge on US HWY 16, near Hill City, will be dedicated to LTC Lippman.

LTC Lippman devoted his life to the United States Army, serving as a paratrooper during World War II, a company commander in the Korean War, and Executive Officer during the Vietnam War. He grew up in Lemmon, eventually moving to Hill City. On December 11, 1965, Lieutenant Colonel Lippman was serving as Executive Officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. On that day, Viet Cong snipers infiltrated his camp perimeter near Lai Khe, South Vietnam, and while LTC Lippman attempted to locate the snipers to direct defensive fire, he was shot and mortally wounded.

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.”