SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 24

(By Senators Maynard, Plymale, Stollings and Leonardt)

Requesting the Division of Highways name a portion of Route 16, beginning at mile post 28.03 and ending at milepost 16.06, in McDowell County the "U. S. Marine Corps LtCol Dennis Ray Blankenship Memorial Road".

            Whereas, Dennis Blankenship was born on January 8, 1938, in Bartley, West Virginia, to Everett Blankenship and Oma Blankenship; and

            Whereas, Dennis Blankenship graduated from Big Creek High School in 1956; and

            Whereas, Dennis Blankenship first joined the U. S. Marine Corps on September 4, 1957, and was honorably released on September 3, 1960, as a Corporal. He rejoined the corps on August 29, 1961, and honorably retired on August 1, 1988, as a Lieutenant Colonel; and

            Whereas, LtCol Blankenship was highly decorated during his years of service, including the Silver Star Medal; the Bronze Star Medals with Combat "V"; the Purple Heart Medal; the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with one Gold Star; the Meritorious Service Medal with one Gold Star; the Joint Service Commendation Medal with one Gold Star; the Navy Commendation Medal with one Combat "V" and one Star; the Army Commendation Medal; the Combat Action Ribbon with two Gold Stars; the Presidential Unit Citation; the Joint Meritorious Unit Award; the Navy Unit Commendation with two Stars; the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with one Star; the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal; the National Defense Service Medal; the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; the Vietnam Service Medal with eight Stars; the Humanitarian Service Medal; the Service Deployment Ribbon with one Star; the RVN Mac Gallantry Cross Color with Palm and Frame; the RVN MUC Civil Actions Color with Palm and Frame; the RVN Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star; the RVN Staff Honor Medal 1st Class; the RVN Campaign Medal with Device (60-); the Expert Rifle Qualification Badge 2nd Award; and the Expert Pistol Qualification Badge 5th Award; and

            Whereas, LtCol Blankenship's Silver Star Citation reads: "Dennis Ray Blankenship/Home of record: Coalwood, West Virginia/Silver Star: Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to SSgt Dennis Ray Blankenship (MCSN: 1690600), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with First, Force Reconnaissance Company in the Republic of Vietnam, on May 20,1966. During the insertion of SSgt Blankenship's reconnaissance platoon deep into enemy Viet Cong territory, they were immediately attacked as they debarked from the helicopter by an estimated ten to twenty Viet Cong, throwing hand grenades and firing automatic weapons. Although painfully wounded by the first grenade explosion, SSgt Blankenship reacted instantly, ordering his troops to return fire and directing their movements into a defensive perimeter, courageously exposing himself to ensure that all his men were accounted for and tactically deployed. Exhibiting daring and selfless disregard for his own safety, SSgt Blankenship marked the enemy positions with white phosphorous grenades and then directed the air strike by supporting aircraft. Displaying professional skill and heroic actions, SSgt Blankenship tightened his defensive perimeter, called for transport helicopters and marked his position. Still defending the landing zone, SSgt Blankenship supervised the loading of his entire platoon on the helicopters, himself being the last to load, and only after his platoon had safety departed the landing zone, did he allow his wounds to be treated. By his daring actions and loyal devotion to duty in the face of personal risk, SSgt Blankenship upheld the finest traditions of the United States Naval Services.

Action Date: May 20,1986/Service: Marine Corps/Rank: Staff Sergeant/Company: 1st Force Reconnaissance Company"; and

            Whereas, LtCol Blankenship passed away on July 16, 2013, surrounded by his children and grandchildren; and

            Whereas, It is fitting and proper that U. S. Marine Corps LtCol Dennis Ray Blankenship 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 a portion of Route 16, beginning at mile post 28.03 and ending at milepost 16.06, in McDowell County the "U. S. Marine Corps LtCol Dennis Ray Blankenship Memorial Road"; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs on both ends of the road identifying the road as the "U. S. Marine Corps LtCol Dennis Ray Blankenship Memorial Road"; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways and the family of U. S. Marine Corps LtCol Dennis Ray Blankenship.