HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 27

(By Delegate Pethtel)

[Introduced March 8, 2021; Referred to the Committee on Technology then Rules]

Requesting the Division of Highways name bridge number: 52-017/00-001.07  (52A153), (39.59450, -80.66128) locally known as LeMasters Bridge, carrying CR 17 over Barker Run in Wetzel County the “U. S. Army Tec 5 Harvey LeMasters Memorial Bridge”.

Whereas, U.S. Army Tec 5 Harvey LeMasters was born at Pine Grove, Wetzel County, West Virginia on October 8, 1922; and

Whereas, U.S. Army Tec 5 Harvey LeMasters enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving during World War II. He had the rank of Technician Fifth Class, attached to the 735th Tank Battalion; and

Whereas, During his service in World War II, Army Technician Fifth Class LeMasters was killed in action on August 20, 1944, at age 21. He was buried in Brill American Cemetery and Memorial Basse-Normandie, France. He was awarded several posthumous medals, including the Purple Heart and WW II Victory Medal; and

Whereas, Among the remembrances to U.S. Army Tec 5 Harvey LeMasters was one that President Franklin D. Roosevelt sent to the fallen warriors, declaring: “He Stands In the Unbroken Line Of Patriots Who Have Dared To Die that Freedom Might Live And Grow, And Increase Its Blessings, Freedom Lives. And Through It. He Lives in A Way That Humbles The Undertakings Of Most Men”; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate U.S. Army Tec 5 Harvey LeMasters and his 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: 52-017/00-001.07  () (52A153), (39.59450, -80.66128) locally known as LeMasters Bridge, carrying CR 17 over Barker Run in Wetzel County, the “U. S. Army Tec 5 Harvey LeMasters 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 Tec 5 Harvey LeMasters 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.