Jonah E. Kelley Memorial Bridge

West Virginia State Legislature

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 28

Requesting the Division of Highways name the bridge on Route 46 and Armstrong Street crossing New Creek in Keyser, Mineral County, the “Jonah E. Kelley, World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, Memorial Bridge”.

Whereas, Jonah E. Kelley of Keyser, Mineral County, was born April 13, 1923, in Rada, Hampshire County; and
Whereas, Jonah E. Kelley served his nation with pride and distinction in the United States Army during World War II and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant; and
Whereas, S/Sgt. Jonah E. Kelley served with the 311th Infantry of the U. S. 78th Infantry Division; and
Whereas, During World War II, S/Sgt. Jonah E. Kelley was in charge of an E Company squad. On January 30, 1945, he led his men through intense mortar and small arms fire in Kesternich, Germany. S/Sgt. Kelley was wounded twice by mortar fragments, once in the back and once in his left hand. S/Sgt. Kelley continued to lead his men in their slow but steady advancement and never left them to seek medical attention for his wounds; and
Whereas, At dawn on January 31, 1945, S/Sgt. Jonah E. Kelley and his men resumed their attack and advanced to a point where heavy automatic and small arms fire stalled their advancement. S/Sgt. Kelley moved out alone, encountering an enemy machine gun nest. Despite being shot several times, S/Sgt. Kelley emptied his rifle at the enemy position. He died minutes later from the wounds he received. The courage that S/Sgt. Kelley displayed inspired his men to push forward and penetrate the last line of defense held by the enemy; and
Whereas, In recognition of his heroic efforts and selfless dedication to his men and the nation he served, S/Sgt. Jonah E. Kelley was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor; and
Whereas, It is fitting that a bridge be named in honor of S/Sgt. Jonah E. Kelley as a lasting tribute to his service and sacrifice to this nation; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby requests the Division of Highways to name the bridge on Route 46 and Armstrong Street crossing New Creek in Keyser, Mineral County, the “Jonah E. Kelley, World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, Memorial Bridge”; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is requested to have made and be placed signs identifying the bridge as the “Jonah E. Kelley, World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, 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 Secretary of the Department of Transportation.

Source www.legis.state.wv.us