HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 17

(By Delegate P. Martin)

[Introduced January 17, 2020 ]

Requesting the Division of Highways name bridge number 21-15-2.39 (21A165), locally known as Vandalia Bridge, carrying County Route 15 over Skin Creek in Lewis County, the “U. S. Army PFC William E. “Ed” Smith and W. Va. Army Nat. Guard SSG Edward L. “Eddie” Smith Memorial Bridge”.

Whereas, PFC William Smith was born October 7, 1919, in Weston, Lewis County, West Virginia to Minter and Hoye Bennett Smith; and

Whereas, SSG Edward Smith was born June 20, 1943, in Weston, West Virginia, to William and Mary Lee Smith; and

Whereas, SSG Edward Smith graduated from Weston High School in Lewis County, West Virginia in 1963; and

Whereas, PFC William Smith enlisted in the Army and was inducted into service on October 26, 1942 and entered service on November 9, 1942; and

Whereas, SSG Edward Smith joined the West Virginia Army National Guard upon graduation from Weston High School in 1963; and

Whereas, PFC William Smith bravely served his country during World War II in North Africa, Italy, and the European Theater as a messenger and a truck driver; and

Whereas PFC William Smith was awarded the Bronze Star for his bravery during service to this country and state and PFC William Smith was awarded a medal for Good Conduct; and

Whereas, SSG Edward Smith trained in Fort Leonardwood, Missouri and Fort Knox, Kentucky; and

Whereas, SSG Edward Smith served this state for over 20 years; and

Whereas, PFC William Smith lost his father when he was five years old and upon reaching an age for employment, obtained a job at the West Virginia Glass Specialty Company where he worked as a loyal employee for over 40 years; and

Whereas, PFC William Smith married Mary Lee Queen on October 26, 1942 upon induction into the Army and raised children with her until his death; and

Whereas, SSG Edward Smith married Betty Smith and raised two children until Betty’s death on December 16, 1986; and

Whereas, PFC William Smith passed away at the VA Hospital in Clarksburg on August 17, 1986 at the age of 66; and

Whereas, SSG Edward Smith passed away on February 4, 2018; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate PFC William Smith and SSG Edward Smith and their contributions to our state and country; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name bridge number 21-15-2.39 (21A165), locally known as Vandalia Bridge, carrying County Route 15 over Skin Creek in Lewis County, the “U. S. Army PFC William E. “Ed” Smith and W. Va. Army Nat. Guard SSG Edward L. “Eddie” Smith Memorial Bridge”; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs identifying the bridge as the “U. S. Army PFC William E. “Ed” Smith and W. Va. Army Nat. Guard SSG Edward L. “Eddie” Smith Memorial Bridge”; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.