With a ceremony at the Knights on Columbus Hall in Versailles on Saturday, March 15, a portion of SR 185 was dedicated to Gerald F. Subler.
Jim Buchy was the Master of Ceremony, also present were Ben Thaler representing Warren Davidson, Commissioner Marshall Combs, Ansonia Mayor Ted Adkins, Versailles Mayor Todd Dammeyer, Ohio Deputy Director ODOT District 7 John O’Brien, Versailles Honor Guard, Darke County Honor Guard, Wapakoneta Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1126, Debbie Nisonger and Karen Burkett from the Fort Greene Ville Chapter DAR, the Subler family and many friends, friends and veterans.
Gerald F. Subler was killed in action on September 30, 1968. State Representative Angie King of Ohio District 84 presented legislation to honor Subler. House Bill 81was passed and signed by Governor Dewine in December 2024. The portion of Ohio Route 185 being dedicated is located at Progress Way/Jackson St. in Versailles to south of Burns Rd. in Frenchtown. The designated highway section runs through an area where Subler grew up and attended Holy Family Catholic Church, Frenchtown, Ohio.
Gerald Francis Subler was born on Dec. 30, 1947, Versailles and was a 1966 graduate of Ansonia High School. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and began his tour on Sept. 11, 1968. Subler was attached to the 1st Marine Division, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, B Company. During his service in the Vietnam War, Marine Corps Lance Corporal sustained hostile artillery rocket mortar in South Vietnam, Quang Nam Province serving in a defensive position as a machine gunner. He lost his life on Sept. 30, 1968 1968 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.
Gerald’s heroic actions earned him the Purple Heart Award. His family was given his honors which also included: Combat Action Ribbon, Marksmanship Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, the South Vietnam Gallantry Cross Palm Leaf Medallion Medal, USMC Rifle Sharpshooter medal, and Vietnam Republic Military Merit Medal.
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