SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 26

(By Senators Hunter, McCabe, Minear, Rowe, Caldwell, Mitchell, Unger, Wooton, Chafin, Helmick, Prezioso, Bowman, Jackson, Edgell, Minard, Anderson, Sharpe, Ross, Oliverio, McKenzie, Burnette and Tomblin, Mr. President)




Requesting the Commissioner of the Division of Highways name the bridge crossing the Monongahela River on Interstate 79 in Monongalia County, the "Corporal Thomas Bennett, Medal of Honor Recipient, Memorial Bridge".

Whereas, The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the armed services of the United States of America; and

Whereas, The State of West Virginia is privileged to be the home of Corporal Thomas Bennett who was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for conspicuous gallantry in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty; and

Whereas, Corporal Thomas Bennett distinguished himself while
serving as a platoon medic during three days of intense fighting in Chu Pa Region, Pleiku Province, Republic of Vietnam, February 9 through 11, 1969, administering life-saving first aid under heavy fire in complete disregard for his own safety; and
Whereas, It is altogether fitting that Corporal Thomas Bennett be memorialized for his unselfish bravery; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Legislature hereby requests the Commissioner of the Division of Highways name the bridge crossing the Monongahela River on Interstate 79 in Monongalia County, the "Corporal Thomas Bennett, Medal of Honor Recipient, Memorial Bridge"; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Commissioner is requested to have made and be placed at both ends of the bridge signs identifying the bridge as the "Corporal Thomas Bennett, 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 Transportation, the Commissioner of the Division of Highways and the Director of the Division of Veterans' Affairs.