State Rep. Greg Markkanen on Tuesday celebrated the signing of his plan to name a section of M-26 in Houghton County as the Private Wesley Karna Memorial Highway.

“Wesley Vietti Karna made the highest sacrifice possible for the State of Michigan and his country,” said Markkanen, R-Hancock. “The least we can do is honor his sacrifice however possible. Naming this small section of highway after him will ensure knowledge of his legacy and service will live on for generations.”

Karna was born in 1922 in Painesdale, Michigan, as one of nine children born to his parents Erick and Ida, both Finnish immigrants. He served in the Fifth Army, 91st Infantry, 362nd Regiment, F Company during World War II.

On Sept. 22, 1944, Karna was fighting in northern Italy against the Gothic Line, an enemy force made up of German and Italian forces, when he was killed in action. Karna earned a Purple Heart, a WWII Victory medal, and a European Theatre medal for his service.

Markkanen’s plan passed the House Transportation Committee earlier this spring. Brad Uren, Karna’s great-nephew, testified with Markkanen during the committee meeting where they outlined how an Italian historian with a metal detector recently unearthed Private Karna’s canteen. It had been buried 80 years ago. Private Karna had scratched his name into it. That discovery led Uren and his family to find further details about Private Karna’s service and the circumstances surrounding his ultimate sacrifice.

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