COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE

FOR

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 72

By Delegates Atkinson, J. Kelly, Harshbarger, Westfall, Jennings and Hollen

(Originating in the Committee on Technology and Infrastructure
February 25, 2019)

Requesting the Division of Highways name that portion of County Route 14 in Roane, West Virginia, north of Spencer, from its intersection with County Route 9 (Spring Creek Road) to Route 14/12 (Hospital Drive), the “U. S. Army PFC Harold Paul Cottle Memorial Highway”.

Whereas Harrold Paul Cottle was born August 2, 1913, in Spencer, West Virginia, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul F. Cottle of Spencer; and

Whereas, Harold Paul Cottle graduated from Spencer High School, was a trusted employee of the Hardman Supply Company for over ten years, and attained the rank of Sergeant in the West Virginia State Guard before enlisting in the United States Army in January 1944; and

Whereas, PFC Cottle served as an infantryman with Company G, 179^th Infantry, 45^th Infantry Division and was killed in action in ground combat on the November 24, 1944, while advancing with his unit against the enemy in northeastern France; and

Whereas, After his death, in addition to the sympathy letter from General Marshall, Felix S. Smolenski, 1^st LT, 17^th Infantry, Personnel Officer, sent PFC Cottle’s widow a handwritten letter dated December 22, 1944 that reads in its entirety:

“There is little I can say. The War Department will have informed you, by the time you receive this letter, of the very regrettable death of your husband, Harold P. Cottle, Army Serial Number 35778053.  He was killed in action in ground combat on the 24^th of November 1944, while advancing with his unit against the enemy in northern France.

I realize that words I may say by way of condolences are altogether inadequate to lift the burden of sorrow which must lie heavily upon your heart.  It should, however, be a strengthening and consoling thought to contemplate that your husband gave his life on the field of battle that those back home might have a free and better world to live.

A Protestant chaplain conducted services at his grave, and he now rests among his fellow countrymen in a well-cared for American Military Cemetery in Northeastern France.

The Regimental commander asks me to express his sympathy for the loss of your husband and to say his loss has been felt deeply in this Regiment, as he was an excellent soldier and was admired by all who knew him.

I can only assure you that the men of the command will dedicate every effort to achieve ultimate victory, so that the death of your husband may not have been without a solemn purpose.

May God’s divine guidance be with you in this time of tribulation.”; and

Whereas, At his death PFC Cottle was survived by his father, three brothers, wife, two sons and three daughters; and

Whereas, It is fitting that a proper memorial be established for this patriot who volunteered for duty in the United States Army and gave his life in service to his country; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name that portion of County Route 14 in Roane, West Virginia, north of Spencer, from its intersection with County Route 9 (Spring Creek Road) to Route 14/12 (Hospital Drive), the “U. S. Army PFC Harold Paul Cottle Memorial Highway”; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Commissioner of the Division of Highways is requested to erect signs at both ends of the highway containing bold and prominent letters proclaiming that portion of the highway as the “U. S. Army PFC Harold Paul Cottle Memorial Highway”; and, be it

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