HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 3

(By Delegate Criss)

[Introduced January 12, 2022]

Requesting the Division of Highways name bridge number 54-047/00-009.61 () (54A098), originally known as Kites Run Bridge (CSWB), carrying WV 96 over Walker Creek in Wood County, the “U.S. Army SSG. William Codar States Memorial Bridge.”

Whereas, William Codar States was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, on January 27, 1948, to Denzil and Marie (Freed) States and the family lived in the nearby community of Leachtown along the Little Kanawha River. William, known to all as “Bill,” attended Wood County schools; and

Whereas, Bill States graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1966, and worked for a while as a lineman for the telephone company; and

Whereas, Bill States was drafted into the United States Army for service in the Vietnam War and he underwent advanced training in the Non-Commissioned Officers School at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 1968, earning the rank of Sergeant (E-5); and

Whereas, Sargent Bill States began his tour of duty in Vietnam on July 16, 1968 in Light Weapons Infantry, attached to the 82nd Airborne Division, 1st Battalion, 505th Infantry, B Company. During his service, he was repeatedly decorated for his skills and conduct; and

Whereas, During hostile action on April 20, 1969, in Hua Nghia Province in South Vietnam, Sargent Bill States was killed by a fragmentation explosive device; and

Whereas, William (Bill) Codar States was posthumously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6) and, among his many honors, he received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate Staff Sergeant William Codar States and his service 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 54-047/00-009.61 () (54A098), originally known as Kites Run Bridge (CSWB), carrying WV 96 over Walker Creek in Wood County, the “U.S. Army SSG. William Codar States 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. SSG William Codar States 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.