HOUSE CONCURRENT resolution 42

(By Delegates Stephens, Chiarelli, and Ridenhour)

[Introduced January 19, 2024; referred

to the Committee on Committee on Technology and Infrastructure then Rules.]

Requesting the Division of Highways name the bridge numbered 26-005/00-005.05  () (26A021), (40.00400, -80.64197) locally known as "Langmyer Bridge," carrying CR 005 over Wheeling Creek in Marshall County the "U.S. Army SSG William E. Miller Memorial Bridge."

Whereas, William E. Miller, originally from Sand Hill, WV, lived a life of distinction worthy of being remembered; and

Whereas, Mr. Miller was one of six children born to Olive Davis Miller and George Miller during the Great Depression; and

Whereas, Mr. Miller enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve his country; and

Whereas, Mr. Miller was assigned to the 39^th Infantry Regiment, 9^th Infantry Division and was stationed in the European theatre, specifically in France; and

Whereas, Later, Mr. Miller valiantly fought the Nazis all throughout Europe, specifically in France, Belgium, and Germany, during which he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant ; and

Whereas, Mr. Miller fought in the Battle of Hurtgen Forest, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Battle of Remagen, where he was an integral part of the force that made it possible for the Allies to cross the only bridge the Nazis had not yet destroyed; and

Whereas, Mr. Miller was gravely injured when a tank turned over on him under a barrage of intense mortar fire; and

Whereas, Mr. Miller was then evacuated, recovered in Army hospitals, was honorably discharged, and received the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and three Presidential Unit Citations along with various campaign ribbons; and

Whereas, Mr. Miller returned home, where he worked at the Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel's Martins Ferry Plant for forty years and spent sixty wonderful years with his wife before her passing in 2015; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name the bridge numbered 3419,  Requesting the Division of Highways name the bridge numbered 3419, locally known as the "Langmeyer Bridge," the "U.S. Army SSG William E. Miller Memorial Bridge"; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to erect signs containing bold and prominent letters identifying the bridge as the "U.S. Army SSG William E. Miller Memorial Bridge."; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.