RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Transportation installed on Dec. 17 the two signs along K-96 at Haven in honor of Army Pfc. Henry Lee Fisher. He died in combat on June 18, 1967, shortly after he turned 20.
Jake Feil, Fisher’s nephew, noted that his fallen-soldier uncle had already been memorialized in less noticeable ways around Haven. But Feil felt inspired to find a “bigger, better way to memorialize his service and sacrifice, and that’s how the sign came to me.” Feil contacted his state legislator, Rep. Joe Seiwert, so legislation to allow for the signs could be introduced.
Fisher was one of four children. After he graduated from Haven High School in 1965, he decided to join the military with two buddies, Feil said.
“He was dead set on serving his country,” Feil said. Fisher fought in the 16th Infantry-1st Infantry Division, also known as the Big Red One.