Mensch meets families of honored veterans
HARRISBURG » State Sen. Bob Mensch previously introduced legislation which named a portion of state roadway after Army Specialist Ray Ira Haas and First Lieutenant William R. Gendebien to honor their service.
Mensch said he was honored to meet with the families at the signs that designated the roadways for the two veterans.
Mensch, R-24th Dist., introduced SB 1219 (now Act 159 of 2016) which designated a portion of Route 663 in Montgomery County as the Army Specialist Ray Ira Haas Memorial Highway. During March 28, 1968, in the Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam, Haas was performing his assigned duties as an infantryman on the battlefield. During these operations, Hass and his unit came under fire. Haas fought bravely and was mortally wounded during the firefight.
Route 663 from the Bucks County line, through Pennsburg borough to the end of Upper Hanover Township in Montgomery County, is now designated as the Army Specialist Ray Ira Haas Memorial Highway.
In addition, the bill designated a portion of Route 100 in Berks County as the First Lieutenant William R. Gendebien Memorial Highway. On October 26, 1965, in Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam, VMFA 115 was performing combat operations against hostile forces. Gendebien was performing his assigned duty as Air Traffic Controller from an aircraft in support of VMFA 115 in their combat operations. During these operations, hostile actions downed the aircraft with its crew and it made a crash landing. passed away in the crash of the aircraft.
Route 100 from Hereford Township at the Lehigh County line through Washington Township in Berks County is now designated as the First Lieutenant William R. Gendebien Memorial Highway.
The designation of these heavily traveled roadways will ensure that Army Specialist Ray Ira Haas and First Lieutenant William R. Gendebien will always be remembered for their service and sacrifice.