The section of Ohio 122 designated as the memorial highway is between Wicoff Street and Towne Boulevard, crossing the Butler/Warren county line.
Through the efforts of two local state senators, Bill Coley, R-Liberty Twp., and Steve Wilson, R-Lebanon, who sponsored the legislation for the memorial highway to Carpenter who was killed by small-arms fire during a hostile conflict in 1969. He was 27 and was in his third tour of duty in Vietnam. Carpenter was a member of the 5th Special Forces Group stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky.
The bill was signed by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine in early March.
Carpenter, who was from Madison Twp, known by locals as West Middletown, was living in Warren County when he enlisted in 1959 into the Army. However, his brother, Robert Carpenter, said they always called Middletown and Madison Twp. home. Robert Carpenter was 15 when his brother was killed and has worked for more than a decade to have the memorial designation for his brother.
Charles Carpenter was survived by three daughters.
About the Author
