A section of Route 100 near Fogelsville was dedicated July 14 in memory of U.S. Army Capt. Mark T. Resh, who served as an Apache Attack Helicopter pilot in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The section of highway stretches from the intersection of Main and Tilghman streets, Upper Macungie Township, to the intersection of Kernsville and Claussville Roads, Lowhill Township.

The highway memorializes the sacrifice of Resh, who was assigned to the 4th Attack Recon Battalion 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Air Division.

He bravely piloted his helicopter to support the coalition ground forces until his aircraft was struck by enemy fire and crashed Jan. 28, 2007.

Resh, who was killed at the age of 28, was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action.

Commissioned in May 2001, Resh was stationed in Germany and deployed to Iraq from May 2003 to July 2004.

He deployed for a second time in October 2006.

Resh was a 1996 graduate of Northwestern Lehigh High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society, Math Club, Student Council and captain of the varsity soccer team in his senior year.

He attended the University of Pittsburgh, graduating summa cum laude, and earning a Bachelor’s degree in engineering in 2001.

The highway memorial was the result of House Bill 181, sponsored by state Rep. Gary Day, R-187th, and was amended into Act 73 of 2017.

Day was on hand at Saturday’s ceremony to thank not only Resh’s family but also the large crowd of attendees.

Among those attending were Boy Scout Troop 72, Fogelsville, where Resh was a Scout and earned his Eagle Scout award.

Also on hand were both Gold Star and Blue Star parent organizations as well as numerous veterans groups.

“Capt. Resh’s memory is kept alive through family, friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing him,” Day said.

“However, this highway designation is intended to remind everyone who travels this section of Route 100 that this local hero gave his life so that we can enjoy our freedom every single day.”

“From an early age, Capt. Resh distinguished himself as a leader. He took his leadership skills to college and then into the military, where he served two tours of duty.

“We are forever indebted to Capt. Resh, and his surviving parents, Charlie and Carol of Fogelsville, along with this family. May he always be remembered.”

During the ceremony, many who drove by sounded their car or truck horn to show support for the American flag and the service at hand. Carol and Charlie Resh noted the sign near Tilghman Street will actually be replaced by a larger sign as Route 100 becomes a four-lane road and merits a larger sign.