Williamsburg State Street Bridge To Be Dedicated In Memory Of Vietnam Veteran John Werner
Through the efforts of Williamsburg American Legion Kuch-Querl Post 228 and by proclamation of the Williamsburg City Council, the new bridge over Old Man’s Creek on East State Street in Williamsburg will be dedicated to honor the memory of Williamsburg native John F. Werner. The council approved a resolution to name the bridge on March 14, 2022.
Werner was born July 23, 1950 and was a 1968 graduate of Williamsburg High School. He enlisted in the United States Army and entered the service via the Regular Army. SP5 Werner served in Vietnam with the 1st Air Cavalry Division as an Aircraft Engine Repairman. His tour began on January 19, 1970. He died at Long Binh, Vietnam on August 23, 1970, after being wounded the previous day in an artillery rocket mortar attack. He is the only Williamsburg native to give his life in service to the country during the Vietnam War. John Werner was buried with full military honors at Immanuel Lutheran Church cemetery east of Williamsburg.
A dedication ceremony is being planned for Sunday, August 7, at 2:00 pm on the bridge with the public invited to attend. The bridge will be signed and known as the SP5 John F. Werner Memorial Bridge.
About Kuch-Querl Post 228: Williamsburg’s American Legion Kuch-Querl Post 228 was chartered by The American Legion on March 21, 1929. The post name honors Williamsburg natives Roy Earl Kuch who served in World War I and was killed in action in France on August 11, 1918, and William Querl who served in World War II. Querl was captured by the Japanese, died in captivity on June 16, 1943, and is buried in the Philippines. Post 228 meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 208 West State Street in Williamsburg. For more information, contact Post Commander Bruce Adams at (319)383-9563 or Post Adjutant Bill Heick at (319)530-2955.
