Committee Substitute

for

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 43

(By Delegates Ward, Stephens, and Marple)

[Originating in the Committee on Energy and Public Works; Reported on March 20, 2025]

Requesting the Division of Highways name Bridge Number: 16-055/00-011.96  () (16A134), (39.07833, -78.95205) locally known as MOOREFIELD INTERCHANGE, carrying WV 055 over US 48 (X) (Corridor H) in Hardy County the "Sgt. Ray “Mutt” Sherman Memorial Bridge."

Whereas, Ray William Sherman lived a life worthy of remembrance; and

Whereas, Mr. Sherman, also known as "Mutt," was born December 21^st, 1933, in Rig, West Virginia to Ocie Sherman and Nellie Crites Sherman; and

Whereas, Sgt. Sherman was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in both the Korean and Vietnam wars; and

Whereas, In Korea, Sgt. Sherman served with the 25^th Infantry Division; and

Whereas, In Vietnam, Sgt. Sherman served two tours, with the first being with the 101^st Airborne Division and the second as a MACV Advisor with the South Vietnamese Army; and

Whereas, Sgt. Sherman was awarded a Bronze Star Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, a Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal with two service stars, United Nations Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge (2^nd Award), National Defense Service Medal with two bronze service stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 device, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Six Overseas Service Bars, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with a Bronze Star, the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal (2nd Class), and the Master Parachutist Badge; and

Whereas, Sgt. Sherman went on to become a "Black Hat' Airborne instructor at Ft. Benning, GA until his retirement in 1974; and

Whereas, Sgt. Sherman went on to become a self-employed carpenter and work for Smith Kline Pharmaceutical Company; and

Whereas, Sgt. Sherman enjoyed fishing and will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many people; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways name Bridge Number: 16-055/00-011.96  () (16A134), (39.07833, -78.95205) locally known as MOOREFIELD INTERCHANGE, carrying WV 055 over US 48 (X) (Corridor H) in Hardy County the "Sgt. Ray “Mutt” Sherman Memorial Bridge," and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs identifying the bridge as the "Sgt. Ray “Mutt” Sherman Memorial Bridge"; and, be it

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