Bill aims at having Gurnee I-94 overpass named for Medal of Honor recipient
News-Sun Staff report March 22, 2013 4:48PM
Medal of Honor recipient Allen Lynch of Gurnee
Updated: April 24, 2013 6:09AM
GURNEE — A resolution naming the Grand Avenue overpass at Interstate 94 for Allen Lynch of Gurnee, a Vietnam War veteran awarded the Medal of Honor, has passed the Illinois Senate.
State Sen. Terry Link, D-Waukegan, who sponsored the measure, said Friday that Senate Joint Resolution 2 rename the Grand Avenue overpass the Allen J. Lynch Congressional Medal of Honor Overpass.
The bill now goes to the Illinois House.
“With the 25th of March being National Medal of Honor Day, I am so thankful for all of the brave men and women who have risked their lives for our country. I am proud to honor a true American hero, Allen J. Lynch, by renaming the Grand Avenue overpass in his honor,” Link said.
In 1990, Congress designated March 25 annually as National Medal of Honor Day.
Only 2,468 men and women have been awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military honor for valor, since 1863.
Lynch received the Medal of Honor for action on Dec. 15, 1967. Army Sgt. Lynch (then a Spec. 4) distinguished himself while serving as a radio telephone operator with the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), serving near My An, Binh Dinh province, in Vietnam.
While under fire, Lynch ran across open ground several times to rescue three wounded comrades from enemy fire, held his isolated position for two more hours and rescued more wounded soldiers.
Lynch also will be honored at a ceremony Monday commemorating National Medal of Honor Day at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago.
