Released: April 5, 2024
Delaware County’s Military and Veterans Affairs Director Colonel Arthur Jenkins was honored to participate in the posthumous renaming of the intersection of School Street and Walnut Street in Morton Borough, to William E. Rice Way. The renaming was in honor and dedication to Lieutenant William E. Rice; a longtime Morton resident and Tuskegee Airman.
Lieutenant Rice passed away on November 27, 2022 at the age of 98, but his legacy and life will forever be remembered in Morton Borough, which he called home. Lieutenant Rice’s career began in 1943 when as a part of the 332nd Fighter Group, he flew 34 combat missions in a P-51 plane. The Lieutenant received a Congressional Gold Medal in 2007 for his service during World War II.
During the street naming ceremony, one of his daughters, Ms. Janice Robinson, gave poignant remarks about her late father and the pride she still feels from having grown up in Morton. COL Jenkins presented Ms. Robinson with a “Delco Strong” challenge coin as well as one of his Commander’s coins from Operation Allies Welcome in dedication to her father.
Congratulations to the late Lieutenant Rice and his loved ones on this well-deserved tribute.
Our humble and heartfelt thanks are shared with all of our county’s military heroes and trailblazers who bravely serve and protect our nation.