HOUSE Concurrent resolution 83

(By Delegate Maynard)

[February 18, 2022]

Requesting the Division of Highways name a portion of County Route 30/1, beginning at (38.239066), (-82.192876) and ending at (38.239066), (-82.200978), locally known as Sheridan Road, in Lincoln County, the “U.S. Army SGT Charles L. Toppings Memorial Road”.

Whereas, Charles L. Toppings was born in Man, West Virginia, on October 13, 1930, the son of Sesco and Elva Toppings; and

Whereas, Charles L. Toppings was a graduate of Hamlin High School and entered the U.S. Army; and

Whereas, SGT Charles L. Toppings served in Company C, 72nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Infantry in Korea; and

Whereas, On May 18, 1951, SGT Charles L. Toppings distinguished himself by heroic achievement near Chaun-ni, Korea, while riding in a tank retriever attempting to run an enemy roadblock. The retriever crew saw several wounded soldiers exposed to enemy fire when SGT Charles L. Toppings, while being exposed to enemy fire, manned a machine gun and delivered heavy fire on the enemy. He then left the retriever and moved the wounded soldiers into the retriever; and

Whereas, SGT Charles L. Toppings, for his heroism on that day, was awarded the Bronze Star; and

Whereas, SGT Charles L. Toppings worked for the C&O Railroad in West Virginia for over 30 years; and

Whereas, SGT Charles L. Toppings passed away on April 5, 2017, survived by three sons: Charles Toppings and wife, Sheila; William (Bill) Toppings and wife, Vicki; and Steve Toppings and wife, Karen; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate SGT Charles L. Toppings 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 a portion of County Route 30/, beginning at (38.239066), (-82.192876) and ending at (38.239066), (-82.200978), locally known as Sheridan Road, in Lincoln County, the “U.S. Army SGT Charles L. Toppings Memorial Road”; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs identifying the portion of road as the “U.S. Army SGT Charles L. Toppings Memorial Road”; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.