The Interstate 86 bridge that crosses West Main Street in Randolph was dedicated Friday as the “CPL William James Hillard Memorial Bridge.” Submitted photo

RANDOLPH — The contributions of a Randolph native who lost his life in the Vietnam War were honored Friday with the dedication of the Interstate 86 bridge crossing West Main Street in Randolph as the “CPL William James Hillard Memorial Bridge.”

State Sen. George Borrello and state Assemblyman Joseph Giglio, sponsors of the legislation enacting the designation, were joined at the Randolph American Legion by Hillard’s family and friends, town officials and members of the community to commemorate the courage and sacrifices of the decorated fallen hero.

Born in Kennedy, Hillard grew up in Randolph and graduated from Randolph Central School in 1966. He joined the Peace Corps in 1967, helping farmers in India. Shortly after returning from India and marrying his high school sweetheart, he joined the Army in March 1968. The United States was fully engaged in the Vietnam War at that time.

As a member of Company B, 26th Engineer Battalion, 23rd Infantry Division, Hillard attained the rank of corporal. He and his unit were part of Operation Iron Mountain, a division-level search and clear mission that began in February 1969 to destroy and interdict North Vietnamese and Vietcong bases, forces and supply routes in the Quang Ngai Province of South Vietnam.

On Saturday, March 15, 1969, after volunteering to go on patrol, Hillard was one of three soldiers killed by an enemy explosive device during combat operations at Quang Ngai. It was just days after his 21st birthday.

“Corporal Hillard fought and died to protect the freedoms we hold so dear. We are humbled by the magnitude of his sacrifice. The ideals of honor, duty and courage exemplified by his life and service are a lasting legacy to our nation and an example to all of us,” Borrello said. “This bridge will now stand as a testament to Corporal Hillard’s patriotism and help others remember the true costs of freedom.”

During his military service, Hillard received a Purple Heart, two Bronze Star medals, one Oak Leaf Cluster, a good Conduct medal, a National Defense Service medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Presidential Unit Citation. His name is inscribed on Panel 29W/Line 45 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.

“Corporal Hilliard enlisted in the Army knowing he would go to Vietnam. We honor his memory with this bridge, but we can respect him by truly doing that which he believed in; namely, voting, speaking responsibility and practicing faith in our God,” said Steve McCord, Director of the Veterans’ Services Agency in Cattaraugus County.