Bill Text: WV HCR41 | 2020 | Regular Session | Comm Sub
Bill Title: U. S. PFC Dennis Warren Baxter, USMC, Memorial Bridge
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-0)
Status: (Passed) 2020-03-07 - Completed legislative action [HCR41 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2020-HCR41-Comm_Sub.html
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
FOR
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 41
By Delegates Hartman, N. Brown, C. Thompson and Boggs
(Originating in the Committee on Technology and
Infrastructure
February 26, 2020)
Requesting the Division of Highways name bridge number 42-33-8.40, locally known as Gum Lick Run Bridge, carrying US Route 48 over Gum Lick Run in Randolph County, the “U.S.M.C. PFC Dennis Warren Baxter Memorial Bridge”.
Whereas, Private First Class Dennis Warren Baxter was born on May 18, 1947, in Elkins, WV, and was reared and educated in Randolph County, the son of Gorman Baxter of Summit, NJ and mother Doris Houston; and
Whereas, Following the divorce of his parents and his graduation from Elkins High School in 1965, Dennis Warren Baxter, while visiting his mother, living in Clarksburg, WV, joined the United States Marine Corps; after visiting his father in Summit, NJ., he departed for Parris Island, SC and commenced active duty; and
Whereas, In July 1966, PFC Baxter arrived in Vietnam where he served as an assault infantryman with 3rd Platoon, Hotel Company, 2nd Battalion 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, III Marine Amphibious Force; and
Whereas, PFC Baxter was killed on January 26, 1967, as a result of multiple gunshot wounds after his platoon was attacked by a large North Vietnamese Army force while crossing Song Thu Bon River on “Operation Tuscaloosa” in Quam Nam Providence, South Vietnam; and
Whereas, PFC Baxter was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, and the Good Conduct Medal; and
Whereas, PFC Baxter's name is listed on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D. C., Panel 14E, Line 78; and
Whereas, PFC Baxter was one of several hundred West Virginia residents and one of over 17 Randolph County residents to make the ultimate sacrifice for his county during the Vietnam War; he is buried in the American Legion Little Arlington Cemetery, Randolph County, West Virginia; and
Whereas, PFC Baxter, on the date of death, left his father, Gorman Baxter; his mother, Doris Houston; brother, David Houston; sister, Patricia Roy; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Baxter; and maternal grandmother, Mrs. John Roy of Lumberport, WV; and
Whereas, The ultimate sacrifice of this brave and courageous son of Randolph County, West Virginia, requires us to honor Private First Class Dennis Warren Baxter by ensuring that future generations are aware of his sacrifice in the cause of freedom; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name bridge number 42-33-8.40, locally known as Gum Lick Run Bridge, carrying US Route 48 over Gum Lick Run in Randolph County, the “U.S.M.C. PFC Dennis Warren Baxter 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.M.C. PFC Dennis Warren Baxter 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.
