Rep. David Thomas to Host Ceremony Honoring Local Marine with Memorial Overpass Designation

State Representative David Thomas (R-Jefferson) will host a ceremony on Thursday, October 8, at 11:30 a.m. to formally recognize the designation of the U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Thomas Evan Douglas Memorial Overpass in Trumbull County.

The ceremony will be held at the Fowler Community Center, located at 3358 Youngstown Kingsville Road in Cortland.

The overpass, which spans State Route 11 as part of State Route 305, was officially designated the U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Thomas Evan Douglas Memorial Overpass through legislation included in Senate Bill 52. The designation became part of Ohio law on September 23, 2026. 

Douglas, an Ohio native, served with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 362 during the Vietnam War. On November 22, 1965, Douglas was part of a four-person Marine helicopter crew that disappeared after encountering hazardous weather conditions during a mission in South Vietnam. Despite extensive search efforts, the aircraft and crew were never recovered. Douglas was subsequently promoted to Gunnery Sergeant and remains memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. and at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. 

“This is a small token of our appreciation to remember U.S. Staff Sergeant Thomas Evan Douglas and his act of sacrifice for our country,” said Rep. Thomas. “I was grateful to be able to work with his family to honor him in this way.”

The public is invited to attend the ceremony and join Douglas’ family, community members and local officials in honoring his service and legacy.

Details for the event are as follows:

U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Thomas Evan Douglas Memorial Overpass Designation Ceremony
Thursday, October 8, at 11:30 a.m.
Fowler Community Center, 3358 Youngstown Kingsville Road, Cortland, Ohio 44410