RANDOLPH, N.Y. — Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill Friday that will rename bridges on I-86 in the Town of Randolph after two Vietnam veterans from the town.
The bridge crossing West Main Street will be designated the "Cpl. William James Hillard II Memorial Bridge" after a 21-year-old corporal who was killed in action in 1969. The bridge crossing Schoolhouse Road will be name the "Sgt. David Lockwood Memorial Bridge" after Lockwood who died 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,” said Senator George Borrello, who sponsored the bill. “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.”
Hillard served as a construction equipment repairman in Company B of 26th Engineer Battalion at Chu Lai. His battalion supported the "White Lions," the 23rd Infantry Division and Vietnamese forces operating in I Corps area.
Before his military service, Hillard volunteered with the Peace Corps in India. He married Rosemary Brain of Randolph in 1967.
Hillard earned the Purple Heart and two Bronze Star Medals with 1 oak leaf cluster. His was also the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 date bar, the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Presidential Unit Citation.
Lockwood graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology and worked as an engineer until he died.
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.
