HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 91

(By Mr. Thompson (Mr. Speaker) and Delegate Perdue)

Requesting the Division of Highways to name the stretch of County Highway 5, also known as Mud Fork Road, in Logan County, West Virginia, beginning at the intersection of County Road 119/26 and County Road 119/14, continuing NW for 10.6 miles and ending at the intersection of County Highway 5 and East Fork Road, the “Platoon Sgt Clifford Tomblin Highway, United States Army.”

    Whereas, Clifford Tomblin was born in Mingo County, West Virginia, on October 17, 1920, son of Harrison Tomblin and Celia (McCoy) Tomblin; and

    Whereas, Clifford Tomblin, while a resident of Logan County, West Virginia, was inducted into the United States Army on September, 30, 1942; and

    Whereas, Clifford Tomblin entered into active service on October 14, 1942; and

    Whereas, Clifford Tomblin devoted three years of his life, fighting for the nation’s and the world’s freedom; and

    Whereas, While in the United States Army, Clifford Tomblin rose to the rank of Platoon Sergeant, serving as a leader of men; and

    Whereas, While engaged in active warfare, Platoon Sergeant Tomblin fought in several battles and campaigns including Rome, Arno, the North Apennines, PO Valley and North Africa; and

    Whereas, While stationed in Italy, Platoon Sergeant Tomblin was wounded in action on July 15, 1944; and

    Whereas, During his military service, Platoon Sergeant Tomblin showed himself to his men and to his superior officers to be a man of courage, strength, leadership and loyalty as he risked his life over and over again in defense of freedom; and

    Whereas, For his courage and valor, Platoon Sergeant was awarded several decorations and citations including the Purple Heart Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Silver Star Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the European African Middle Easter Service Ribbon; and

    Whereas, Platoon Sergeant Clifford Tomblin received an honorable discharge from the United States Army on October 22, 1945, after having served his country with pride, a pride that would continue throughout his life; and

    Whereas, In light of Platoon Sergeant’s uncomplaining dedication to preserving our nation’s and our world’s freedom during the great war of WWII combined with his lifelong history and love of Logan County, West Virginia, where he lived throughout his life with his spouse, Janice Carter Tomblin, it is only fitting that a road he and his loved ones traveled countless times, Mud Fork Road, should carry his name; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name a stretch of County Highway 5, also known as Mud Fork Road, in Logan County, West Virginia, beginning at the intersection of County Road 119/26 and County Road 119/14, continuing NW for 10.6 miles and ending at the intersection of County Highway 5 and East Fork Road, the “Platoon Sgt Clifford Tomblin Highway, United States Army”; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made several signs that state, in bold and prominent lettering, the “Platoon Sgt Clifford Tomblin Highway, United States Army” and to erect these signs, one at either end of the stretch of highway and others strategically placed at intervals on both sides of the road along the 10.6 mile stretch; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a certified copy of this resolution to surviving family members of Clifford Tomblin and to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation.