State Sen. Eric Bassler (R-Washington) recently presented two resolutions to the full Senate that would urge the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to name a bridge and a portion of a state road in memory of two local military heroes.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 would urge INDOT to name the bridge located on Highway 45/58 after Maj. Emerson Y. Barker. A native of Green County and pioneer in aviation, Barker entered a pilot training program in 1940 under the Civil Aeronautics Authority at Stout Field in Indiana. He later graduated from the U.S. Army Air Corps Advance Flying School and went on to become the commanding officer of the 419th Night Fighter Squadron and fly in the first night raid on the Japanese air base Rabaul. Barker lost his life in a plane explosion in 1944 over the Pacific Ocean.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 8 would urge INDOT to name a section of State Road 67 in honor of 1st Lt. Clayton Robert Cullen. A native of Bicknell, Indiana, Cullen attended Indiana University, where he was a member of the Reserve Officer Training Corps program. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history, Cullen joined the United States Army where he served in the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Cullen was killed in a helicopter training accident in 2018.
“These two aviators are from different generations, one serving during World War II and the other just last year,” Bassler said. “This lapse of time does not change the fact that both of these men bravely dedicated their lives to uphold the freedoms we enjoy each day. Every day, numerous people through these areas travel in our community. It is my hope that by naming sections in Maj. Baker and 1stLt. Cullen’s honor, we will be reminded daily not only of their sacrifices, but of all those who have served and are currently serving in our military.”
These resolutions will now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
