HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 47

(By Delegates Hott, Kelly, Reynolds, Coop-Gonzalez, Ward, Heckert, Riley, Smith, Petitto, Mazzocchi, and Marple )

February 21, 2023

Referred to the Committee on Technology and Infrastructure then the Committee on Rules

Requesting the Division of Highways Bridge Number: 12-042/05-000.09  () (12A051), (39.07204, -79.19234) locally known as Keplinger Bridge, carrying CR 42/05 over South Fork Lunice Creek in Grant County, the "U. S. Army SGT Walter Hedrick Memorial Bridge".

Whereas, Walter J. Hedrick was born in Onego, Pendleton County, on January 23, 1922, the son of Denver Hedrick and Ona Hedrick; and

Whereas, U. S. Army SGT Walter J. Hedrick was married to Goldie Hedrick; they had two children, Diana Hedrick and Leroy Hedrick; and

Whereas, U. S. Army SGT Walter J. Hedrick enlisted in the U. S. Army on October 16, 1942 and was assigned to the European Theatre during World War II; and

Whereas, U. S. Army SGT Walter J. Hedrick was awarded several decorations and citations for his military service, including the Purple Heart for wounds received in action in France on July 11, 1944 and was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic actions in combat in Kapellen, Germany on March 3, 1945; the citation stated "For distinguishing himself against the enemy of the United States on March 3,1945 in Kapellen, Germany when the town was counter-attacked by a large force of infantry and tanks. Sergeant Hedrick immediately directed fire on the enemy {although} his OI was under flat trajectory fire. Several : 88"s" hit close to his window but Sergeant Hedrick without regard for his personal safety stuck to his port keeping effective mortar fire on the enemy materially aiding in repulsing the counter-attack. His courage and coolness under fire reflect great credit to himself and the military service, entering military service from West Virginia; and

Whereas, U. S. Army SGT Walter J. Hedrick was suddenly killed in an accident on the farm of his employer of 15 years, Oscar Keplinger, on September 16, 1963, while he was loading silage into a silo; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate U. S. Army SGT Walter J. Hedrick 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: 12-042/05-000.09 () (12A051), (39.07204, -79.19234) locally known as Keplinger Bridge, carrying CR 42/05 over South Fork Lunice Creek in Grant County, the "U. S. Army SGT Walter Hedrick 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 SGT Walter Hedrick 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.