SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 28
(By Senators Hunter and Minear)
Requesting the Division of Highways name the bridge on Route 46 and
Armstrong Street crossing New Creek in Keyser, Mineral County,
the "Jonah E. Kelley, World War II Congressional Medal of
Honor Recipient, Memorial Bridge".
Whereas, Jonah E. Kelley of Keyser, Mineral County, was born
April 13, 1923, in Rada, Hampshire County; and
Whereas, Jonah E. Kelley served his nation with pride and
distinction in the United States Army during World War II and
attained the rank of Staff Sergeant; and
Whereas, S/Sgt. Jonah E. Kelley served with the 311th Infantry
of the U. S. 78th Infantry Division; and
Whereas, During World War II, S/Sgt. Jonah E. Kelley was in
charge of an E Company squad. On January 30, 1945, he led his men
through intense mortar and small arms fire in Kesternich, Germany.
S/Sgt. Kelley was wounded twice by mortar fragments, once in the
back and once in his left hand. S/Sgt. Kelley continued to lead his
men in their slow but steady advancement and never left them to
seek medical attention for his wounds; and
Whereas, At dawn on January 31, 1945, S/Sgt. Jonah E. Kelley
and his men resumed their attack and advanced to a point where heavy automatic and small arms fire stalled their advancement.
S/Sgt. Kelley moved out alone, encountering an enemy machine gun
nest. Despite being shot several times, S/Sgt. Kelley emptied his
rifle at the enemy position. He died minutes later from the wounds
he received. The courage that S/Sgt. Kelley displayed inspired his
men to push forward and penetrate the last line of defense held by
the enemy; and
Whereas, In recognition of his heroic efforts and selfless
dedication to his men and the nation he served, S/Sgt. Jonah E.
Kelley was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor;
and
Whereas, It is fitting that a bridge be named in honor of
S/Sgt. Jonah E. Kelley as a lasting tribute to his service and
sacrifice to this nation; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby requests the Division of Highways
to name the bridge on Route 46 and Armstrong Street crossing New
Creek in Keyser, Mineral County, the "Jonah E. Kelley, World War II
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, Memorial Bridge"; and, be
it
Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is requested
to have made and be placed signs identifying the bridge as the
"Jonah E. Kelley, World War II Congressional Medal of Honor
Recipient, Memorial Bridge"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby
directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Secretary of
the Department of Transportation.
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