COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE

FOR

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 57

By Delegates A. Evans, Kelly, Storch, Hamrick, Sobonya, Summers,

Ellington, Overington O'Neal, McGeehan and Azinger

Originating in the Committee on Roads and Transportation

Requesting the Division of Highways to name bridge number 12-220-10.31 (12A081) (38.98846, -79.12465), locally known as Petersburg Bridge, carrying US 220 over the south branch of the Potomac River in Grant County, the "U.S. Army PVT Leander Reel Memorial Bridge”.

Whereas, Leander Reel was born and raised in Grant County; and

Whereas, Leander Reel served in U.S. Army in Normandy and Market Garden in Holland. He was killed on September 25, 1944, fighting for freedom and is buried in the Margraten American Cemetery in the Netherlands; and

Whereas, Private Reel earned a Silver Star in Normandy for his service on June 9, 1944, while serving in the 327^th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82^nd Airborne Division.  The military citation reads: “The company commander called for volunteers to investigate heavy opposition crossing the Merderet River. Private Reel stepped up and advanced through the hedge in the direction of the fire.  In a short while the firing stopped and shortly afterward, Private Reel marched out a column of twenty-four enemy soldiers. He had forced them to abandon two machine guns and surrender.  His initiative and audacity in neutralizing this group reflects great credit upon himself and the Airborne Forces of the United States Army”; and

Whereas, Private Reel earned the Bronze Star Award on September 25, 1944, in Holland. The citation for his Bronze Star reads: “For meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force on 25 September 1944 while serving with Co G, 2nd Batt. 327^th GIF regiment, 82^nd AB in Holland.  The division air assaulted in the Nijmegan-Groesbeek Ridge. The next day, attempts to take the Nijmegen Highway Bridge failed and the division contacted the British Guards Armored Division at Grave for assistance.  Private Reel displayed untiring efforts and professional ability while he was subjected to stiff resistance from the enemy forces.  His performance of duty was in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 82^nd AB and the Army of the U.S.”; and

Whereas, U.S. Army Private Leander Reel was awarded the Purple Heart and also earned the Combat infantry Badge, Army Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Device and two Bronze Service Stars, WWII Victory Medal, Glider Wings with two Bronze Service Stars, Belgium Fourragere, Netherlands Orange Lanyard; and

            Whereas, U.S. Army Private Leander Reel’s niece, Wanda J. Stump, was given the medals and awards on September 5, 2013; Ms. Stump will cherish his medals and awards forever; and

Whereas, It is fitting and proper that U.S. Army Private Leander Reel be honored by having this bridge named for a soldier who served with distinction and honor and who made the ultimate sacrifice for his comrades-in-arms, his family, his state and his country; therefore, be it

Resolved by the West Virginia Legislature:

That the Legislature hereby requests the Division of Highways to name bridge number 12-220-10.31 (12A081) (38.98846, -79.12465), locally known as Petersburg Bridge, carrying US 220 over the south branch of the Potomac River in Grant County, the "U.S. Army PVT Leander Reel Memorial Bridge” and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Commissioner of the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs at both ends identifying the road as the "U.S. Army PVT Leander Reel Memorial Bridge"; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Secretary of Transportation, the Commissioner of Highways and U.S. Army Private Leander Reel’s niece, Wanda J. Stump.