Bill Text: WV SCR27 | 2022 | Regular Session | Comm Sub
Bill Title: US Army TSGT Harold William Schmidle Memorial Bridge
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 2-1)
Status: (Passed) 2022-03-01 - House Message received [SCR27 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2022-SCR27-Comm_Sub.html
Committee Substitute
for
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 27
(By Senators Smith, Sypolt, and Jeffries)
[Originating in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; Reported February 16, 2022]
Requesting the Division of Highways name bridge number 39-026/00-019.09 (39A051), (39.49472, -79.64520), locally known as Albright Bridge, carrying WV 26 over Cheat River in Preston County, as the “U.S. Army TSGT Harold William Schmidle Memorial Bridge”.
Whereas, Harold William Schmidle was born in the year 1921, to the son of Joseph and Jennie Schmidle in Albright, West Virginia, and was one of 14 children; and
Whereas, Harold William Schmidle, also called “Teen”, enlisted in the Infantry as a young man to serve his country during World War II; and
Whereas, TSGT Harold William Schmidle served 37 months in the Pacific and fought against the Japanese; and
Whereas, TSGT Harold William Schmidle was killed in action during the Battle of Banzai Point on the Island of Corregidor in the Philippines on February 19, 1945, where he served as a rifle squad leader (S/SGT) in the 2nd platoon, Company “D”, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, when he and his squad were overrun by the Japanese; and
Whereas, TSGT Harold William Schmidle had three brothers who also served their country at the time: George Schmidle was stationed in Texas; and Williard “Woody” Schmidle and Cottrill Schmidle served in the European Theater; and
Whereas, TSGT Harold William Schmidle posthumously received the Silver Star for gallantry in action on February 19, 1945, for taking up a dangerous flank position, with utter disregard for his own life, repulsing several enemy rushes, and holding his position until mortally wounded without asking for help. His Silver Star citation provides that his courage, initiative, and coolness under fire materially aided in the reorganization of his unit for successful attack on the enemy and constituted the finest of soldierly performance of duty; and
Whereas, TSGT Harold William Schmidle was also the recipient of a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and various other medals and awards; and
Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate TSGT Harold William Schmidle and his sacrifice to our state and country will never be forgotten; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name bridge number 39-026/00-019.09 (39A051), (39.49472, -79.64520), locally known as Albright Bridge, carrying WV 26 over Cheat River in Preston County, as the “U.S. Army TSGT Harold William Schmidle 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 TSGT Harold William Schmidle 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.
