Photo By Staff Sgt. Lennon Dregoiw | U.S. Sen. James Lankford delivers remarks during the official dedication ceremony of...... read more read more
GUTHRIE, Okla. – Residents, veterans, and community leaders gathered May 27, 2026, to officially dedicate the local Guthrie, Oklahoma, post office to Oscar J. Upham. Upham was a Guthrie hometown hero, U.S. Marine, and Medal of Honor recipient who served 34 years as a local mail carrier.
In 1896, Oklahoma was still part of what was known as the Oklahoma Territory, established during the era of the Oklahoma Land Run, and did not become a state until 1907. Because the territory did not have a Marine Corps recruiting office, Upham traveled to Illinois with a friend to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.
During the Spanish-American War, Pvt. Upham served aboard the USS Oregon and is credited with firing one of the first American shots during the Battle of Santiago in 1898. He later distinguished himself during the Boxer Rebellion in Peking, China, where he helped erect barricades under heavy enemy fire during a months-long siege. For his actions, Pvt. Upham received the Medal of Honor in 1901.
Upham's military service accomplishments are on display in multiple museums to include the Oklahoma Territorial Museum, the National Museum of the Marine Corps, and the National Museum of American History. Additionally, Upham was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame, representing his country, state, and the small town of Guthrie.
Speakers at the post office dedication ceremony said Upham embodied a lifetime of service, both in uniform and in his hometown community.
As first reported in a press release from Sen. James Lankford's office, which was issued immediately following the bill's approval back in December 2025: “It’s been a privilege to lead the Oklahoma delegation in honoring Oscar Upham, an Oklahoman who exemplified service both on the battlefield and here at home in Guthrie.” said Lankford. “His courage in defense of our nation and his lifelong commitment to his community are worthy of commemoration.”
U.S. Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma was present and spoke at the dedication ceremony. He led the Oklahoma congressional delegation, alongside Sen. Markwayne Mullin and Rep. Stephanie Bice, to secure the passage of S. 2283, which designated the post office at 201 West Oklahoma Avenue in Guthrie, Oklahoma, as the “Oscar J. Upham Post Office.” The designation received unanimous approval in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The bill was signed by President Donald Trump Dec. 18, 2025.
The Marine Corps’ purpose is its promise: They make Marines, they win the nation's battles, and they develop quality citizens. U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Joshua Rogers, the executive officer for Marine Corps Recruiting Station Oklahoma City attended and spoke at the dedication ceremony.
"The Marine Corps prides itself on returning quality citizens to civilian life. He is not only proof of that transition, but a prime example of exceeding it," Rogers said.
Following his military service, Upham returned to Guthrie and began a lengthy career with the United States Postal Service, serving the community as a mail carrier for 34 years before retiring.
Reflecting on her great-grandfather's legacy as a Marine and a mail carrier, Katharine Hayes noted how the ceremony brought his story full circle. "So many people knew little pieces about him, and the pieces came together through the community," she said.
For Hayes, the timing of the dedication held both deep personal and national significance.
"Oscar left us a generational blessing—the faith in God," she said.
2026 marks a historic milestone for the country Upham defended. Hayes added, "I think it is fitting that we honor him during the 250th anniversary of the United States."
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the official dedication plaque, which will soon be permanently displayed at the Oscar J. Upham Post Office in Guthrie. Now, decades after Upham finished his final route, his name will permanently welcome the residents of Guthrie at the very post office where he dedicated his life to serving them.
| Date Taken: | 05.26.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 06.02.2026 10:28 |
| Story ID: | 566465 |
| Location: | GUTHRIE, OKLAHOMA, US |
| Web Views: | 21 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Guthrie Dedicates Post Office to Marine, Medal of Honor Recipient and Mail Carrier Oscar J. Upham, by SSgt Lennon Dregoiw, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
