HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 23

(By Delegate Phillips)

[Introduced February 22, 2017]

Requesting the Division of Highways to name the portion of Route 119/19, beginning at a point where it intersects with Route 17 and ending at a point where it intersects with Route 28/2, in Logan County, as the "U.S. Army SSG Styish R. Morris Memorial Road".

Whereas, Staff Sergeant Morris was born September 17, 1923, to John Morris and Rosie Morris of Clothier, West Virginia, the fifth of ten children; and

Whereas, Staff Sergeant Morris began work as an underground coal miner in Logan County, West Virginia. When World War II erupted, he enlisted, rather than being drafted, in the U.S. Army on January 23, 1942, and served in the 145^th Infantry Regiment, 37^th Infantry Division; and

Whereas, Staff Sergeant Morris was a very proud, patriotic first-generation American of Polish descent. His career was one of great honor and valor as shown by his numerous decorations which he earned while serving in the Pacific Theater; and

Whereas, Staff Sergeant Morris was decorated for his actions with the following awards: the Combat Infantry Badge, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, the Distinguished Unit Citation, two Purple Heart Awards, and the Good Conduct Ribbon; and

Whereas, Most notably, on September 22, 1945, Staff Sergeant Morris was awarded the Silver Star by President Truman.  The Citation reads: "The President of the United States, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant (then Sergeant) Styish R. Morris United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 145 Infantry Regiment, 37^th Infantry Division in the Philippine Islands. Staff Sergeant Morris' squad was preparing for an attack at Mount Pacawagan on April 30, 1945, when an enemy soldier ran out of one of the many caves infesting the area.  Catching the squad completely by surprise, the enemy knocked a soldier to the ground, tore a Browning Automatic Rifle from his hands and swung the weapon into position to fire on the squad. Staff Sergeant Morris, although unarmed, rushed the enemy so quickly that he was unable to fire the weapon. After a bitter struggle for possession of the gun, Staff Sergeant Morris with superior strength and weight overpowered the Japanese and forced him back into a deep foxhole, causing him to lose his grip on the rifle. Staff Sergeant Morris then managed to kill the enemy.  Sergeant Morris' alertness, quick thinking and courageous action eliminated a dangerous menace to his squad and earned the complete confidence of his men.  Staff Sergeant Morris's actions, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service, reflecting great credit on himself, the 37^th Infantry Division, and the United States Army"; and

Whereas, Following his Honorable Discharge on October 3, 1945, Staff Sergeant Morris returned home to Clothier, where he went back to work in the underground coal mines of Boone and Logan counties and supported his aging parents. He never married and chose to take care of his parents until their deaths.  He continued to work in the mining industry until he became disabled in the early 1970s from wounds he received during the war. He remained active by raising a garden and farm animals and he shared his plentiful harvests with his neighbors; and

Whereas, On April 3, 1987, Staff Sergeant Morris was called for his final and glorious award in the arms of his Lord; and

Whereas, Staff Sergeant Morris is survived by his sister-in-law JoAnn Morris, his nephews Edward S. Morris, Mark A. Morris, Thomas Morris, Joe A. Morris, Randy Bently, John F. Morris, John Trammell, Paul Trammell and Joe L. Morris, and his nieces, Teresa Way, Katrina Mosman, Mary Collins, Kathy Weathersby, Rose Ann Reed and Mary Morris Cobbs; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate Staff Sergeant Styish R. Morris, a native son who served his state and his country with great honor, by naming the portion of Route 119/19 beginning at a point where it intersects with Route 17 and ending at a point where it intersects with Route 28/2, in Logan County, as the "U.S. Army SSG Styish R. Morris Memorial Road"; therefore, be it

            Resolved by the West Virginia Legislature:

That the Legislature hereby requests the Division of Highways to name the portion of Route 119/19, beginning at a point where it intersects with Route 17 and ending at a point where it intersects with Route 28/2, in Logan County, as the "U.S. Army SSG Styish R. Morris Memorial Road"; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs at both ends identifying the portion of road as the "U.S. Army SSG Styish R. Morris Memorial Road"; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation.