Pictured from left to right
Buddy Willis, Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow, Curtis Wallace
TUSCUMBIA-A group of Cherokee High School graduates meet once a month at the Two Fat Sisters Restaurant in Tuscumbia. Jack Cochran and Buddy Willis invited Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow to attend one month in late 2017. Jack and Buddy introduced Rep Morrow to Curtis Wallace who immediately began telling him about his cousin Frankie Lee Wallace, a true hero of the Viet Nam War.
Morrow said about the meeting:
“I researched Frankie Lee and was amazed by his act of bravery in the battle with the Viet Cong where he was killed. My initial response was to ask myself why was he not awarded the Congressional Metal of Honor? Curtis Wallace asked me if I would name a portion of Highway 72 the Frankie Lee Wallace Highway and that is exactly what HJR 13 does. I passed this resolution during the 2018 Regular Session through the House and Senate and it was signed by Governor Ivey.
Malcomb Wallace, Frankie Lee’s brother, has a son, Pete Wallace, who is currently deployed in Africa. Pete is named for his Uncle Frankie Lee. When Pete returns home a ceremony will be held that will officially name the Highway. Thomas McKnight, American Legion Tuscumbia, is in charge and is currently making plans for the ceremony to honor 1st Lt. Frankie Lee Wallace’s bravery. Details for the ceremony will be announced later. A sign at the Mississippi/Alabama line and one at milepost 18 have already been erected by the Alabama Department of Transportation. I want to thank everyone who helped me with this extremely important project!”
A link to read HJR 13 is below:
https://legiscan.com/AL/text/
Lieutenant Wallace gave his life for our freedom and he is an American hero. He is deserving of this special recognition. Perhaps we have other war heroes from our area that need to be recognized in some manner. If you have someone in mind please contact Representative Johnny Mack Morrow.
