Paying tribute to a local fallen hero, State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) has designated Illinois Route 78 in Mason County from the Illinois River in Havana to the Sangamon River in Lynchburg as the “Sgt. Don H. Lascelles Memorial Highway.”

“I am honored to recognize Sgt. Don Lascelles, a young man who voluntarily, bravely and honorably served in Vietnam, rose as a leader of his platoon and gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country,” said Tracy. “He will always have a home in Mason County.”

Sergeant Don H. Lascelles was born and raised in Mason County. Following graduation with honors from Balyki Community High School in 1965, he volunteered for the U.S. Army to serve in Vietnam. After his platoon leaders fell in battle, Sgt. Lascelles assumed command of his platoon. His leadership in battle earned him the Bronze Statue with V Device award. In further action on June 6, 1969, Sgt. Lascelles was mortally wounded while protecting his men on the battlefield, and was posthumously awarded a second Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster.

Sponsored by Tracy, House Joint Resolution 97 creating the designation was approved by the State Senate on Memorial Day, May 28, 2018.