A road dedication honoring a fallen soldier was held this past weekend, remembering the life and sacrifice of Hargis Salyer, Jr., who died in battle in Germany during World War II.
A portion of Ky Rt. 1635 in Magoffin County is now designated as “Private Hargis Salyer, Jr. Highway.”
The following resolution, passed by the Magoffin County Fiscal Court in April, was read during the ceremony:
Magoffin County Fiscal Court
Resolution Honoring Private Hargis Salyer, Jr.
WHEREAS, the Magoffin County Fiscal Court desires to formally recognize and honor the distinguished service, valor, and ultimate sacrifice of Private Hargis Salyer, Jr., born March 17, 1920;and
WHEREAS, Private Hargis Salyer, Jr. enlisted in the United States Army on June 27, 1944, and following completion of infantry training was deployed to the European Theater of Operations to join the Allied effort during World War II; and
WHEREAS, in early March 1945, as Allied forces prepared the final assault on Germany and advanced toward the Rhine River, the British Second Army positioned to the north and the United States Ninth Army to the south, culminating in the capture of the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen; and
WHEREAS, during this critical operation, Private Salyer’ s unit came under intense
machine-gun and 20mm fire. Demonstrating exceptional courage and leadership, Private Salyer rallied his fellow soldiers, organized, and led a marching-fire assault that successfully overran an enemy machine-gun position, thereby enabling Allied forces to continue their advance across the Rhine River; and
WHEREAS, Private Hargis Salyer, Jr. was killed in action on March 2, 1945, giving his life in defense of the United States and the cause of freedom; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of his extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, Private Salyer was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and numerous additional commendations; and
WHEREAS, Private Salyer was initially laid to rest in Holland, and after five years his remains were returned home to Kentucky, where he now rests in Owens Cemetery in Sublett, Kentucky; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Commonwealth and Magoffin County permanently honor the memory of Private Hargis Salyer, Jr., ensuring that his sacrifice is remembered by future generations;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAGOFFIN COUNTY FISCAL COURT that the portion of Kentucky Route 1635 from mile point 3.65 to mile point 4.220 shall be, and hereby is, designated as “Private Hargis Salyer, Jr. Highway.”
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that appropriate signage shall be erected and maintained to reflect this designation, and that this resolution shall stand as a lasting tribute to the courage, service, and sacrifice of Private Hargis Salyer, Jr.
Adopted this 21 day of April, 2026, by the Magoffin County Fiscal Court.
Signed:
Donald W. McFarland, Magoffin County Judge/Executive
Darrel Howard, Magistrate District 1
Eddie Jenkins, Magistrate District 2
Samuel Bailey, Jr., Magistrate District 3
Attest: Renee Shepherd, Magoffin County Clerk
