HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 2

(By Delegate Atkinson)

[Introduced January 11, 2018; Referred
to the Committee on Rules ]

Requesting the Division of Highways name bridge number 44-119-20.84 (44A116), locally known as Whiting Electric Arch, carrying U. S. Route 119 over the right fork of Spring Creek in Roane County, the “U. S. Marine Corps PFC James Ralph Heeter Memorial Bridge”.

Whereas, James Ralph Heeter was born June 4, 1949, to Emeline and William L Heeter; and

Whereas, He attended Spencer High School; and

Whereas, He entered the Marines in February of 1968; and

Whereas, He served as a rifleman with company D, First Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam; and

Whereas, After boot camp he came home for the last time in June 1968, and in July was sent to Vietnam, and three weeks later on August 18, 1968, while he was serving as point element for the company, the company came under heavy fire. Disregarding his own safety, he ignored the heavy volume of fire and advanced to the side of a wounded Marine. He quickly administered first aid and, although seriously wounded he remained by the side of his injured comrade providing vital medical treatment. PFC Heeter was mortally wounded. By his courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty, PFC Heeter inspired all who observed him and he upheld the highest tradition of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country; and

Whereas, The President of the U.S. presented the Silver Star Medal to PFC James Ralph Heeter, posthumously; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate his contributions to our state and country; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways is requested to name bridge number 44-119-20.84 (44A116), locally known as Whiting Electric Arch, carrying U.S. Route 119 over the right fork of Spring Creek in Roane County, the “U. S. Marine Corps PFC James Ralph Heeter 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. Marine Corps PFC James Ralph Heeter Memorial Bridge”; 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.