HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 79

(By Delegate Pethtel)

Requesting the Division of Highways to name bridge number 52-15-8.43 (39.579426, -80.591794), locally known as the Willey Fork Bridge, carrying county Route 15/17 over Willey Fork in Wetzel County, the "U.S. Army PFC Junior David Starkey Memorial Bridge."

            Whereas, Junior David Starkey was born on August 24, 1932, to David D. and Myrtle Dulaney Starkey in Wetzel County, West Virginia, and was a lifelong resident of Pine Grove, West Virginia; and

            Whereas, Junior David Starkey entered the United States Army and served in the Second Infantry Division of the 15th Field Artillery in the Korean Conflict, with the rank of Private First Class; and

            Whereas, PFC Junior David Starkey was killed in action in service to his country at the age of eighteen years, five months and nineteen days; and

            Whereas, PFC Junior David Starkey received numerous medals and citations for his service including the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Medal and the award of the Purple Heart; and

            Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate his service and sacrifice for his community and country; therefore, be it

            Resolved by the West Virginia Legislature:

            That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name bridge number 52-15-8.43 (39.579426, -80.591794), locally known as the Willey Fork Bridge, carrying county Route 15/17 over Willey Fork in Wetzel County, the "U.S. Army PFC Junior David Starkey 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 identifying the bridge as the "U.S. Army PFC Junior David Starkey Memorial Bridge"; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates, forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways and to the family of the late PFC Junior David Starkey.