State Rep. Greg Markkanen introduced a bill today to rename a section of M-26 in Houghton County as the Private Wesley Karna Memorial Highway.
“Pvt. Karna served his country bravely in its time of greatest need,” Markkanen said. “As a fellow veteran, I’m honored to introduce a bill to memorialize his service and sacrifice in the Painsedale and South Range communities.”
Karna was born in 1922 in Painesdale, Michigan, as one of nine children born to his parents Erick and Ida, both Finnish immigrants.
Karna served in the Fifth Army, 91st Infantry, 362nd Regiment, F Company in Italy during World War II.
On Sept. 22, 1944, Karna was fighting in northern Italy against the Gothic Line, an enemy force made up of German and Italian forces, when he was killed in action. Karna received a Purple Heart for his service.
The bill was referred to the House Transportation Committee.
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