T-L Photo/ ROBERT A. DEFRANK Sgt. Sylvester Antolak, recipient of the Medal of Honor after giving his life in World War II, is honored with the dedication of a section of Interstate 70 near St. Clairsville named in his honor. Paul Antolak, his nephew, speaks at the event.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — A portion of Interstate 70 now bears the name of U.S. Army Sgt. Sylvester Antolak, who gave his life in World War II and received the country’s highest military recognition, the Medal of Honor.

On May 24, 1944, Antolak destroyed an enemy machine gun nest during the Battle of Anzio near Cisterna di Littoria in Italy. Reports from the battle describe him moving into enemy fire despite bullet wounds and a shattered right arm. His actions helped result in the elimination of 20 enemy soldiers, the capture of the machine gun nest and a clear way forward for his company to advance.

The section of interstate dedicated in Antolak’s honor is located about a mile east of St. Clairsville near the Ohio Valley Mall and Ohio Valley Plaza.

The dedication ceremony was held Wednesday at the Antolak family property, located along Ohio 9 north of St. Clairsville. Robert Wallace, a Vietnam veteran, welcomed guests. The Rev. Thomas A. Chillog of St. Mary Church gave the invocation, referring to the Bible passage stating that there is no greater love than laying down one’s life for friends. He spoke about Sylvester Antolak’s roots in the area, saying his family imbued him with the values, love and strong foundation that made him the man he was.

“Today we recognize that spirit that made our country great,” he said.

On hand were representatives of the American Legion and other veterans’ organizations, the city of St. Clairsville, Richland Township and the Ohio Department of Transportation. Paul Antolak, the honoree’s nephew, said guests came from as far as California and Tennessee to observe the dedication. He said his family has always taken pride in their heritage and family name, and Sgt. Sylvester Antolak is one reason why.

ODOT Director Jerry Wray spoke briefly, saying he has attended many such but was particularly honored to be involved in this one. He said thousands will drive past every day and see the memorial marker, and perhaps they will ask and learn about the exceptional individuals of the past.

“Maybe the grandchildren will ask, and they’ll get an education about what happened years ago,” he said. “It’s a pleasure and an honor for me to be a part of this.”

Richard Stobbs, chairman of the Gold Star Family Committee, also spoke briefly about the importance of honoring Sylvester Antolak, as did Bethany Cera, who was present representing her father, state Rep. Jack Cera, D-Bellaire. The younger Cera said her family has long been close with the Antolaks and that her father was proud to sponsor the legislation.

“It’s an honor to be here,” Robert Giannone, commander of the Ohio Veterans of Foreign Wars, said.

Robert Woods, representing the Patriot Guard motorcycle group, also recognized the Antolak family. He said the Medal of Honor is a particular distinction for individuals who show who they are in the heat of the moment.

“You can’t plan that. It just happens, but it happens for a reason, because the person that does it loves who he’s with, loves what he’s doing and loves his country,” Woods said.

Col. Tom Moe, a U.S. Air Force veteran of Vietnam and a former prisoner of war, commended Wray for his help in making the dedication possible.

“We gather in peace. We gather freely. We gather, all of us, from different walks of life, because of Sgt. Antolak and the millions of others who have laid down their lives for our peace,” he said.

He looked over the Antolak family, but noted that none there was a direct descendent of Sgt. Sylvester Antolak. Moe reflected that one of the greatest sacrifices of those who have laid down their lives is that they were unable to have or be with their own families. Moe added that despite all he endured as a prisoner of war, he was able to return and have a family.

“Enjoy our day of peace and think about the people who gave us that peace,” he said.

Bar Klenowski, Antolak’s niece, quoted the Confederate memorial at Arlington, honoring those who gave their lives in pursuit of their duty. She added that the family was fortunate to have documents and letters connecting them with an uncle she did not have the privilege to know. She referred to some of those letters, in which her uncle wrote of his first encounters with the enemy and how he pondered the next engagements.

Robert Sylvester Antolak, the honoree’s nephew, also spoke, saying he was honored to learn about his namesake. He recalled visiting Washington, D.C., as a young man and his name being recognized by an Army official at the Hall of Honor.

“This was the best of the best,” he said, recalling seeing the displayed names of Medal of Honor winners.

“My father named me after his brother, not himself,” he said, adding that he would share the story of his uncle with his grandson, also named Sylvester Antolak.

He also recognized his mother, Edith Antolak, who served in a factory in Detroit during World War II, when she worked as an airplane inspector. She is 94 years old and was present for the event.

Paul Antolak gave further closing remarks, describing the accounts of his uncle’s heroism. He said his uncle’s story also inspired Audie Murphy, one of the most decorated soldiers of World War II.