Bill Text: WV SCR19 | 2024 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: US Army PFC Henry W. Baldwin Memorial Bridge
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 6-1)
Status: (Passed) 2024-02-29 - House Message received [SCR19 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2024-SCR19-Introduced.html
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 19
(By Senators Nelson and Takubo)
[Introduced January 18, 2024]
Requesting the Division of Highways name bridge number 20-057/00-024.17 (20A137), (38.44920, -81.45593) locally known as Blue Creek Bridge, carrying CR 57 over Elk River in Kanawha County, the "U. S. Army PFC Henry W. Baldwin Memorial Bridge".
Whereas, Henry Woodrow Baldwin was born and raised in Blue Creek, West Virginia. Henry enlisted in the United States Army in December of 1943 and entered active duty in January 1944 where he served in World War II as a Rifleman in the 179th Infantry Regiment. During his service he sacrificed his safety for other service members and was injured in battle. He was shot by the enemy just under his left eye where the bullet was lodged and was unable to be removed, but miraculously, he survived. He was taken to a hospital in France suffering wounds on his face and forehead and suffered post-traumatic encephalopathy. He recovered in France for many months before being discharged to return home. Henry received several medals for his roles in the Army, including the Purple Heart Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal Ribbon, and the Army Expert Weapons Badge; and
Whereas, Upon returning home, Henry went to work for Redhead Oil Company in Charleston for approximately 20 years before opening his own service station at the corner of Route 119 and Blue Creek Road where the bridge is currently located. The building is still standing today. In 1965, he opened Henry’s Esso full-service gas station where he became an asset to the community by providing everyday needs. Henry knew everyone who lived and worked on Elk River and his station was where everyone took their vehicles to be serviced. In addition, he also grew his own fruits and vegetables, and he would sell them in the store. The strawberries he grew were a must. He believed in his community and would go out of his way to make sure the people got what they needed. He ran a business but in certain times he was a "good faith" man. If you needed it and payday was a week away you had nothing to worry about, he’d fix you up and send you on your way with peace of mind. Henry ran this station for about 20 years retiring in the mid 80’s and turning the business over to his oldest son, Clint, who was also in the Army and was active in Korea during the war; and
Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate U.S. Army PFC Henry W. Baldwin and his contributions to our state and country; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name bridge number 20-057/00-024.17 (20A137), (38.44920, -81.45593) locally known as Blue Creek Bridge, carrying CR 57 over Elk River in Kanawha County, the "U. S. Army PFC Henry W. Baldwin 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 ”U. S. Army PFC Henry W. Baldwin 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 Commissioner of the Division of Highways.
