HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 87

(By Delegates R. Smith and Williams)

Requesting the Division of Highways to name bridge number 39-7-26.83 (39A194), commonly known as the Corinth Railroad Overpass, located 0.19 miles west of County Route 98 on Route 7 in Corinth, Preston County, the “U.S. Army Air Force Sgt. Everett Wayne ‘Bud’ Sell Memorial Bridge”.

    Whereas, Sgt. Everett Wayne “Bud” Sell was born on April 25, 1925, in Horse Shoe Run, West Virginia, the fourth of seven children of Charles Raymond and Ina Pearl Root Sell, and a brother to Carl, Don, Evelyn, Louise, Norma and Sue; and

    Whereas, At an early age Sgt. Everett Wayne “Bud” Sell moved to Hopemont, West Virginia with his family. This is where Sergeant Sell learned the value of hard work while assisting his father with various jobs on the state farm located there; and

    Whereas, Sgt. Everett Wayne “Bud” Sell graduated from Terra Alta High School in 1943 where he was an above average student and exceptional athlete. Sergeant Sell excelled in football and was a member of an undefeated and unscored upon team; and

    Whereas, Upon graduating from high school, Sgt. Everett Wayne “Bud” Sell enlisted in the U. S. Army Air Force and in February 1944 he enrolled in gunnery school at Drew Field, Florida. After completing six months training, Sergeant Sell left for Europe and the War in July 1944 and he was stationed at Celine Army Air Base near Foggia, Italy, a member of the 773^rd Bombardment Squadron; and

    Whereas, Sgt. Everett Wayne “Bud” Sell participated in his first combat mission on August 17, 1944 as left waist gunner aboard the “Holey Joe.” Sergeant Sell completed two more successful missions with his crew mates on two different planes; and

    Whereas, On August 23, 1944, during Sgt. Everett Wayne “Bud” Sell’s fourth mission, his plane sustained damage and lost an engine on the right side, making it difficult for the aircraft to keep altitude. The crew was ordered to jettison as much equipment as possible from the plane. Fire then erupted in the lower ball turret. According to reports of his surviving crew members, Sergeant Sell attempted to dislodge the turret so as to eliminate any further damage to the plane and his crew by the fire; and

    Whereas, In his attempts to force the turret out, Sgt. Everett Wayne “Bud” Sell became entangled and was lost when it finally came free; and

    Whereas, The remains of Sgt. Everett Wayne “Bud” Sell have never been found although attempts to do so continue to this day; and

    Whereas, The name of Sgt. Everett Wayne “Bud” Sell is listed on the America Memorial located just outside Rome, Italy; and

    Whereas, It is fitting and proper, that Sgt. Everett Wayne “Bud” Sell be remembered and acknowledged for his courageous action and dedicated service to his country; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name bridge number 39-7-26.83 (39A194), commonly known as the Corinth Railroad Overpass, located 0.19 miles west of County Route 98 on Route 7 in Corinth, Preston County, the “U.S. Army Air Force Sgt. Everett Wayne ‘Bud’ Sell 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 “U.S. Army Air Force Sgt. Everett Wayne ‘Bud’ Sell 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 surviving family of Army Sgt. Everett Wayne “Bud” Sell.