LAWRENCE COUNTY Car crash on Route 422 kills Pa. man

Banko spoke recently at the 50-year commemoration of the Korean War.
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- A man active in veterans causes in Lawrence County died Monday afternoon in a crash on U.S. Route 422.
Michael Banko Jr., 72, of Moravia Street was pronounced dead at the scene by Deputy Coroner Richard Johnson.
Pennsylvania State Police said he lost control of his car around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday and went into the median. The car rolled over several times, ejecting Banko from the car onto the eastbound lane of U.S. Route 422. The car continued north, landing on its roof in the eastbound lane and striking the front of a car driven by Heather Sowers, 32, of Pulaski. She and her passenger, Gage Sowers, no age given, were not hurt.
Banko's wife, Regina, 70, was flown by medical helicopter to a Pittsburgh hospital. The name of the hospital was not released by police, but they said she had major injuries.
Involvement in groups
Michael Banko was active in Lawrence County veterans organizations and was recently the main speaker at a ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Korean War.
"He gave such a dynamic speech. Other organizations were asking him to speak," said Brenda Renner, director of Veterans Affairs in Lawrence County.
Banko served in the Korean War for which he was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star medal, Purple Heart, National Defense Service medal and Korean Service medal, among others, according to county veterans affairs records.
Banko was named American Legion Commander of the Year and was past commander of American Legion Post No. 343, past commander of the Lawrence County Veterans Council and its quartermaster for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 522. He was a life member of the Marine Corps League.