- Last Updated on Sunday, 30 June 2013 22:46
The Senate Transportation Committee unanimously approved a bill renaming the Route 88 Bridge over Ten Mile Creek for a highly decorated U.S. Marine veteran who was born in nearby Fredericktown.
Senate Bill 546, sponsored by Sen. Tim Solobaby, names the new bridge that connects Washington and Greene counties the “Lieutenant General William M. Keys Bridge.”
“General Keys is one of the most decorated soldiers ever hailing from Pennsylvania and, in fact, is one of the most successful soldiers in the country,” Solobay said. “He made his hometown proud in service around the world and this bill will make sure his name stays connected to the region.”
Born in Fredericktown, Lt. Gen. Keys graduated from West Point and the National War College and served as a Company Commander in Vietnam. By the time Operation Desert Storm was being planned, he was a Commanding General of more than 20,000 Marines and devised a famous “two-axis” attack that General Norman Schwarzkopf called “simply brilliant.”
Lt. Gen Keys has been awarded the Navy Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star with Combat "V", two Distinguished Service Medals, the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Cross of Gallantry, Legion of Merit with Combat "V", Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Stars. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1994, after 34 years of service.
The 384-foot, $10 million Route 88 bridge was completed a year ago, replacing an older steel truss bridge. It connects East Bethlehem Township, Washington County with Jefferson Township, Greene County.
Senate Bill 546 now goes to the full Senate for a vote. It mirrors legislation (House Bill 1002) introduced in the House of Representatives by state Rep. Pam Snyder.
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