Bill Proposes to Rename a Section of M-26 in Honor of a Local World War II Veteran

Legislation introduced in Lansing could rename a section of M-26 in honor of a World War Two veteran. Yesterday Representative Greg Markkanen introduced a bill to rename a section of M-26 in Houghton County to Private Wesley Vietti Karna Memorial Highway.

Karna was born in Painesdale in 1922, as one of nine children born to Erick and Ida Karna. In World War Two Private Karna served in the Fifth Army, 91st Infantry, 362nd regiment, F Company in Italy. Karna’s unit was trained at Camp White in Oregon under Major General Charles Gerhardt and participated in the Oregon Maneuver that was used to test army units before deploying for the Mediterranean theater in April 1944. The 91st infantry participated in the Rome-Arno, North Apennines, and Po Valley campaigns during World War II. Karna was killed in action while fighting against the Gothic Line, an enemy force made of German and Italian units, on September 22, 1944, in the North Apennines campaign. Karna was awarded the Purple Heart Award for his service.

Representative Markkanen’s proposal was referred to the House Transportation Committee. If passed the legislation will rename the M-26 highway section between the Adams Township building on Academy Street south to Hubbard Avenue known as Wesley Vietti Karna Memorial Highway.