Bridge South of Milbank Dedicated to Fallen Hero – PFC Ronald C. Dexter

A bridge south of Milbank now bears the name of a hometown hero—Private First Class Ronald Clifford Dexter—who was killed in action while serving in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, in partnership with the Department of Transportation, hosted the ceremony on Saturday, August 2, at the Grant County 4-H Grounds. Approximately 100 people attended. South Dakota Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jeremiah Schneider acted as the master of ceremonies.

The bridge spans the North Fork of the Yellow Bank River on Highway 15, approximately three miles south of Milbank and was officially rechristened the PFC Ronald C. Dexter Bridge as part of South Dakota’s Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedication Program. The project recognizes military members from South Dakota who were killed in action or remain missing.

During the ceremony, speakers highlighted PFC Dexter’s courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy. Schneider read a message on behalf of Governor Larry Rhoden. “Bridges are strong structures meant to reconcile and hold things together. In the same way, our brave soldiers are the backbone that holds our nation together,” the message read.

Staff Sergeant Chris Fischer, representing the South Dakota National Guard, called it a solemn privilege to help honor Dexter. “He crossed into danger so others could cross into safety. Though they (fallen heroes) are no longer with us, their legacy connects the past and present, just as this bridge connects two shores.”

One of the most emotional moments of the event came from Ronald’s brother Bruce Dexter who shared a letter from George Gunzel, a fellow Marine who had served with Ronald. Gunzel recounted his visit to Milbank decades after the war, and described the Dexter family as “the kindest and warmest people.” He also referred to Ronald as “a brave Marine.”

Bruce concluded by asking everyone to reflect each time they cross the bridge. “That sign is not just about our brother Ronald,” he said. “It represents the over 58,000 names of those lost in Vietnam and all those who gave their lives in service to our country. There just isn’t enough room to list them all.”

The dedication also included the Posting of the Colors, the unveiling of the new bridge sign, and a vocal musical tribute provided by Kristy Tostenson.  A luncheon was offered to the community.

PFC Dexter, the son of the late Clifford and Lillian Dexter, was born in 1947 in Graceville, Minnesota. He grew up in Milbank along with his siblings Bruce, Doug and Lisa —all three of whom were present at the ceremony to honor their brother.

PFC Dexter enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps shortly after graduating from Milbank High School. He served as a rifleman in Company D, 3rd Marine Division and was killed in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, on September 19, 1966, at the age of 19.

The PFC Ronald C. Dexter Bridge will now stand for generations as a link to a young Milbank man who gave his life for their freedom.

Photo: Bruce and Doug Dexter and Lisa Robison.