MAGOFFIN COUNTY – Last weekend ceremonial road dedications honoring fallen soldiers from Magoffin County were held, remembering the lives and sacrifices of three local World War II heroes.
On Saturday, September 19, the following resolutions were read at their respective road dedications, naming portions of the Left Fork Johnson, in Magoffin County, after the three soldiers.
MAGOFFIN COUNTY FISCAL COURT RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION HONORING PRIVATE JAMES R. RUDD AND DESIGNATING A PORTION OF LEFT FORK JOHNSON IN HIS MEMORY
Whereas, the Magoffin County Fiscal Court wishes to recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by Private James R. Rudd to his Country; and
Whereas, James R. Rudd was born in Magoffin County, Kentucky; and
Whereas, Private Rudd enlisted in the United States Army during the latter part of World War II. After completing his training, he was deployed to Europe to participate in the war effort. While the exact details of his service during several fierce battles remain unknown, it is known that Private Rudd performed his duty with honor and courage until the day he was killed in action. Private James R. Rudd is memorialized on the Heroes Wall in Salyersville, Kentucky; and
Whereas, Private Rudd was awarded the Purple heart, American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, and numerous other commendations recognizing his bravery and sacrifice; and
Whereas, Private James R. Rudd did not return home to share his experiences of the war with loved ones and friends. He now rests in peaceful sleep in the hands of the Supreme Commander at Jefferson barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri; and
Now, therefore, it be resolved, that Left Fork Johnson Road, from mile-point 0.00 to mile-point 3.029, be forever designated as the Sergeant Carl Rudd and Private James R. Rudd Memorial Road, in lasting honor of their service and sacrifice to the United States of America.
Adopted this 14th day of August 2026.
MAGOFFIN COUNTY FISCAL COURT RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION HONORING SERGEANT CARL RUDD AND DESIGNATING A PORTION OF LEFT FORK JOHNSON IN HIS MEMORY
Whereas, the Magoffin County Fiscal Court wishes to recognize the extraordinary contributions and sacrifices made by Sergeant Carl Rudd to his country.
Whereas, Sergeant Rudd was born here in Magoffin County and enlisted in the United States Army in late 1943. After completing Infantry training, he was deployed to Germany, where he served with the 7th Army, 3rd Army, 12th Army, and the 1st Army of France. He participated in Operation Undertone near Tier, Germany, along the Rhine River close to the French border. This operation aimed to clear the Saarbrucken area and establish bridgeheads for the 6th Army Group. The mission was successful, allowing Allied forces to advance toward Cologne.
Whereas, during these fierce battles – marked by courage, determination, and heroic action, Sergeant Carl Rudd was killed in action on March 4, 1945.
Whereas, Sergeant Rudd was awarded the Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, and numerous other commendations for his service.
Whereas, Sergeant did not return home to share his experiences with loved ones and friends. Today, he rests in peaceful sleep in the hands of the Supreme Commander.
Therefore, be it resolved, Left Fork Johnson (CR-1256), from mile-point 0.00 to mile-point 3.029, shall forever be known as Sergeant Carl Rudd and Private James R. Rudd Memorial Road.
Adopted this 14th day of August 2026.
MAGOFFIN COUNTY FISCAL COURT RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION HONORING PRIVATE ERNEST WILLIAMS AND DESIGNATING A PORTION OF LEFT FORK JOHNSON IN HIS MEMORY
Whereas, the Magoffin County Fiscal Court wishes to recognize the extraordinary contributions and sacrifices made by Private Ernest Williams in service to his Country; and
Whereas, Private Williams was born in Dale, Magoffin County, Kentucky; and
Whereas, Private Williams enlisted in the United States Army in the latter part of 1943. After completing Infantry training, he was deployed to France, where he was attached to the 7th Army and took part in the southern invasion of France. This mission sought to clear enemy forces guarding the approaches into France from the south. The invasion was successful, allowing the 7th Army to move north and link with Allied forces advancing from Normandy, forming a broad front to push the German Army back toward its border. These operations involved fierce and dangerous combat, during which Private Williams displayed heroic actions and sustained wounds that required hospitalization; and
Whereas, after spending several months in the hospital, Private Williams died of his wounds on October 6, 1944, giving his life in service to the United States; and
Whereas, Private Williams was awarded the Purple Heart, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army Presidential Citation Medal, and numerous other commendations for his bravery and sacrifice; and
Whereas, Private Ernest Williams did not return home to share his experiences with loved ones and friends, but now rests in peaceful sleep in the hands of the Supreme Commander at Bethel Cemetery in Bethel, Ohio;
Now, therefore, be it resolved that Left Fork Johnson (CR-1256). From mile-point 3.029 to the mile-point 6.197, shall be forever known as Private Ernest Williams Memorial Road.
Adopted this 14th day of August 2026.
