SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 26
(By Senators Hunter, Edgell, Bailey, Caldwell, Minard, Oliverio,
Boley and Deem)
[Originating in the Committee on Military;
reported February 22, 2002.]
Requesting the Division of Highways name the bridge crossing the
Monongahela River on Interstate 79 in Monongalia County the
"Corporal Thomas Bennett, Congressional Medal of Honor
Recipient, Vietnam War, 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 Division of Highways
name the bridge crossing the Monongahela River on Interstate 79 in
Monongalia County the "Corporal Thomas Bennett, Congressional Medal
of Honor Recipient, Vietnam War, Memorial Bridge"; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is directed to
have made and be placed at both ends of the bridge signs
identifying the bridge as the "Corporal Thomas Bennett,
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, Vietnam War, 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 and the Director of the Division of Veterans'
Affairs.