HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 12

(By Delegate Summers)

[Introduced January 10, 2024; referred to the Committee on Technology and Infrastructure]

Requesting the Division of Highways name bridge number 46-008/00-001.78(46A075), locally known as Meadland Bridge, carrying CR 008 over Hustead Fork Stream in Taylor County, the "U. S. Marine Private First Class Calvin Lee Loudin Memorial Bridge".

Whereas, Private Loudin was born the fifth child of Squire French Loudin and Nora Jane McVicker Loudin on June 12, 1926; and

Whereas, Private First Class Loudin enlisted in the Marines at the age of 17 in 1943; and

Whereas, Private First Class Loudin was wounded in the upper right arm on April 3, 1945; and

Whereas, Private First Class Calvin Lee Loudin was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation ribbon bar with star, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the Purple Heart; and

Whereas, on May 22, 1945, he was killed in the battles of Sugar Loaf Hill on the Island of Okinawa and was initially buried there. His body was eventually returned to the United States, where he was buried with full military honors at the Hepzibah Baptist Church Cemetery in Taylor County. He is the only soldier buried in that cemetery who was killed in action.; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate Private First Class Calvin Lee Loudin and his/her 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 46-008/11-001.78 (46A075), locally known as Meadland Bridge, carrying CR 008 over Hustead Fork Stream in Taylor County, the "U. S. Marine Corps Private First Class Calvin Lee Loudin 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 Private First Class Calvin Lee Loudin 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.