A portion of an Ohio highway will be dedicated to fallen Darke County, Ohio, Vietnam War hero, Gerald F. Subler, who 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.
Fort GreeneVille DAR Chapter will host the Subler family, friends, Veterans, and the community on Saturday, March 15 to dedicate a section of Ohio Route 185 in honor of Lance Cpl. Gerald F. Subler. Also assisting will be the Versailles Veterans Honor Guard, Darke County Honor Guard, and Wapakoneta Vietnam Veterans of America # 1126. Jim Buchy will be the Master of Ceremony. The guest speaker will be Richard Lovelady, United States Commemorative Partner Program Manager from Washington DC.
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.
The March 15 dedication will take place at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 8440 OH-47, Versailles, Ohio, at 11 a.m. followed with the highway sign unveiling. Refreshments will be served. The public is invited to attend the ceremony.