HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 68

(By Delegates Perry, Staggers, Pino, Iaquinta, Moore,

                      Marshall and Poore)

Requesting that bridge number 10-16-21.80 carrying State Route 16 across the New River near Cotton Hill, Fayette County, West Virginia, currently named the Charles C. Rogers Bridge, be renamed the “Army Maj. Gen. Charles C. Rogers Memorial Bridge” to properly acknowledge the military title and rank of this career soldier who was awarded the nations highest military honor for bravery in Viet Nam.

    Whereas, Charles C. Rogers was born September 6, 1929 in Clairmont, West Virginia and graduated from DuBois High School in Mount Hope, West Virginia; and

    Whereas, Charles C. Rogers received a Bachelor of Science degree at Shippensburg State College in Pennsylvania; and

    Whereas, While holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army serving in Viet Nam in 1968, Charles C. Rogers distinguished himself acting at the risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty while commanding the 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Division which repelled repeated enemy artillery and ground attacks against their fire support base by forces superior in numbers, and during the repeated attacks the commander received several serious wounds but continued to lead his troops; and

    Whereas, For his bravery and outstanding leadership Charles C. Rogers received the Congressional Medal of Honor; and

    Whereas, Following service in Viet Nam Charles C. Rogers continued to command United States Army troops in Germany, reaching the rank of Major General; and

    Whereas, Following retirement from the Army, Major General Rogers was ordained a Baptist minister, continued to live in Germany and served U. S. troops stationed in Germany; and

    Whereas, Major General Rogers died in Germany in 1990 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery; and

    Whereas, It is the desire of the local community and the Legislature that Bridge Number 10-16-21.80 be renamed to reflect the rank and title which Major General Rogers attained in the service of his country; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That bridge number 10-16-21.80 carrying State Route 16 across the New River near Cotton Hill, Fayette County, West Virginia, currently named the Charles C. Rogers Bridge, be renamed the “Army Maj Gen Charles C. Rogers Memorial Bridge”; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Commissioner of the Division of Highways is hereby requested to erect signs at both ends of the bridge containing bold and prominent letters proclaiming the bridge the “Army Maj Gen Charles C. Rogers 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 members of the Charles C. Rogers family.