A bill has been introduced to designate a section of Illinois Route 15 in Wayne County as the Pfc. Kenny Kays Memorial Highway in honor of the local Medal of Honor recipient.
State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) introduced the legislation, which, if passed, would rename the portion of Route 15 extending from the west edge of Fairfield to County Highway 10 near Boyleston.
A Senate joint resolution passed earlier this year details Pfc. Kays’ extraordinary bravery during the Vietnam War. According to the resolution, Kays enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969 as a medic. On May 7th, 1970, while serving with the 101st Airborne Division, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to treat wounded soldiers. Despite losing his lower left leg in an explosion, he continued tending to his fellow soldiers before allowing his own injuries to be treated. His selfless actions saved numerous lives and inspired his unit to repel the enemy.
In November 1973, Kays was promoted to private first class and awarded the Medal of Honor for his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.
Tragically, Kays passed away on November 29th, 1991, and is buried at Maple Hill Cemetery in Fairfield.
Senator Bryant introduced the bill on February 4th, and it is currently under review in the Assignments Committee. If approved, the Illinois Department of Transportation will install plaques and signs officially designating the highway in Kays’ honor.
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