Town Of Smithtown Street Renamed In Honor Of Vietnam Veteran

HAUPPAUGE, NY — George P. Eisenhauer Jr., a Vietnam veteran who was a U.S. Army sergeant and Purple Heart recipient, will forever be immortalized as a Hauppauge street will be renamed in his honor.

The Town of Smithtown joined with the neighbors, family and fellow veterans to honor the life and service of Eisenhauer Jr. on Saturday, Sept. 21, the Town announced. So. Plaisted Avenue, from Hoffman Lane to Garvey Drive was renamed "Sgt. Ike Avenue" in honor of Eisenhauer Jr.'s service to the country.

"There’s a saying, that 'a soldier dies twice: once where he takes his last breath; and again when his name has been forgotten,'" said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. "I’m honored to say that we will never forget George P. Eisenhauer Jr. in Smithtown as we dedicate this street in his name today."

Eisenhauer Jr. was the grand-nephew of President Dwight "Ike" Eisenhower. Rather than avoid the draft or service during the Vietnam War, Eisenhauer Jr. entered the U.S. Amy on July 27, 1966, opting to serve two tours in Vietnam. Originally stationed with the 5th Battalion 6th Infantry at Fort Hood Texas, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and deployed with Company A 1st Battalion 46th Infantry to Vietnam. Sgt. Eisenhauer was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Marksman Badge and the Expert Rifle Badge.

He was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1972, when he settled down in the Town of Smithtown with his wife, Doreen. Together they raised their daughter, Michelle.

He continued to support his fellow soldiers as a member of the Patriot Guard Riders of New York State. He passed away on Jan. 12th, 2019, leaving his wife, Doreen, his daughter, Michelle and her husband Mike, and his two grandsons, Matthew and Michael to carry on in his memory.

"While certainly not unfamiliar with having a good time, the word party is entirely too restrictive," Don Lynch, a neighbor and family friend said on behalf of Eisenhauer Jr. "George knew how to live! Today he continues to live in our hearts and on this block."

Lynch spoke on behalf of the family prior to the unveiling. The benediction was performed by Eisenhauer Jr.'s good friend and neighbor, Reverend Arturo Maine of the Hauppauge United Methodist Church. After the reverend’s inspiring words, Eisenhauer Jr.'s wife, Doreen, stood together with her daughter, Michelle, son-in-law Mike and their children Matthew and Michael to unveil the new street sign.

Wehrheim led the ceremony alongside family, neighbors and friends, as well as representatives from various Veterans Organizations, including the Vietnam Vets of America, the American Legion Riders, the V.F.W., Smithtown & Nesconset Fire Departments and the Smithtown Public Safety Department.