Ohio House Honors MSGT Norman Michael Kilbarger with Memorial Highway Designation

COLUMBUS -State Representative Jeff LaRe (R-Violet Township) today announced that House Bill 316 has passed through the Ohio House of Representatives. The bill honors the life and military service of Master Sergeant Norman Michael Kilbarger by designating a portion of Chillicothe Lancaster Road in Fairfield County as the "MSGT Norman Michael Kilbarger Memorial Highway."

Sergeant Kilbarger, born in Lancaster in 1921, served in the U.S. Army for over 21 years, serving in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, and receiving the Bronze and Silver Stars. He received the Silver Star in Korea after he stopped a tank that was leaving the scene of action and placed three wounded men on the back of the vehicle. He then placed himself over the wounded men in such a manner that they could not fall off and that he would be hit by enemy fire before the wounded men.

"MSGT Kilbarger's courageous service and selfless acts in combat are a testament to what kind of person he was and is a shining example of the brave men and women who have donned the uniform to protect this great nation," said Representative LaRe. "He is a hometown and American hero."

House Bill 316 was introduced on June 3, 2025, and received unanimous approval from the House Transportation Committee on June 18, 2025.

The bill now heads over to the Ohio Senate. If enacted, the memorial designation will take effect as part of state law, preserving the memory and service of MSGT Kilbarger in the heart of Fairfield County.