WEST PUNCHEON – On Saturday, May 6, the Magoffin County Fiscal Court, along with the Salyersville DAV, unveiled the road sign on West Puncheon dedicated to fallen WWII war hero, Burl Montgomery, who was killed in battle in France in 1944 at the age of 22.
Magoffin County Judge/Executive Matt Wireman read the following resolution, which was passed by the Magoffin County Fiscal Court in October 2022, at the road dedication ceremony, held on Saturday with Montgomery’s remaining family present:
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-16
WHEREAS, the Magoffin County Fiscal Court wishes to recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by Private First Class Burl Montgomery to his country;
WHEREAS, Burl Montgomery was born April 18, 1922, in Magoffin County, Kentucky;
WHEREAS, PFC Montgomery enlisted in the United States Army in the later part of 1942. After completing his training he received orders to serve with the 12th Armored Division and after training his unit was sent to Europe in support of the war effort. The unit served in Germany and France. PFC Montgomery’s unit was engaged in the Battle of Normandy in France. PFC Montgomery’s unit landed at Liverpool England in the early part of 1944, and from Liverpool the unit arrived at Le Havre France in November 1944. During the Battle of Le Havre France, PFC Montgomery was killed in action during this fierce battle on November 20, 1944;
WHEREAS, PFC Montgomery, through his heroic actions was awarded the Purple Heart; and his unit received l medal of honor, 6 Distinguished Service Cross awards, 198 Silver Stars, 4 Legion of Merit awards, 3 Distinguished Flying Cross awards, 12 Soldiers medals, and many commendations.
WHEREAS, PFC Burl Montgomery did not make it home to talk to loved ones and friends about his experiences of the war. Private First Class Burl Montgomery lays in peaceful sleep in the hands of the Supreme Commander at the Risner Cemetery at Seitz, Magoffin County, Kentucky; and
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that West Puncheon Creek (CR-1251) located off Route 378 in Magoffin County, Kentucky, from mile point 0.00 to 2.424 be forever known as PFC Burl Montgomery Memorial Road.
Done this the 18th day of October, 2022.
Signed:
Matthew C. Wireman, Magoffin County Judge/ExecutiveDarrell Ray Howard, Magistrate District 1
Pernell Lemaster, Magistrate District 2
Joe Bailey, Magistrate District 3
Attest: Renee Arnett Shepherd, County Clerk
