Logan Blvd Bridge named in Honor of Danny M. Greene
When I read in the Banner that they were replacing the Logan Boulevard Bridge that runs over Cherry Tree and Mount Gay, I immediately thought of my friend Danny Greene. Danny was killed in Vietnam near Khe Sanh on May 9, 1967 alone with 23 others that day. Danny put his initials under the bridge in 1964. We used the two center I-beams to crawl over to the top of the pier near the road. Using the mud on the pier, we put our initials on the right center I-beam high up out of the weather. We then continued to use the two center I-beams to cross over Island Creek to go down on the other side. During our last summer in Logan, he and I used to hang out under the bridge admiring all of the cool cars going by. Since Danny was the only vet killed in Vietnam from Mount Gay, it occurred to me that it would be very nice if the new bridge could be named in his honor. This would be especially nice since he put his initials on the old bridge. I remembered that Kyle Workman served as the Executive Director of the Foundation/Commission to build the Veterans Memorial at Charleston so I emailed Kyle asking for his help. Kyle graciously got involved and emailed Governor Tomblin. Kyle received the reply below and suggested that I post it on this site to encourage people to get involved and contact their representatives.
Dear Mr. Workman,
Thank you for your email to Governor Tomblin on behalf of Mr. Frank Thompson regarding the procedure for naming the Mt. Gay bridge in memory of Mr. Danny Greene. Your email was forwarded to this Division for reply.
Many individuals wish to have a road or bridge named in honor of some particular person or persons. The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) has no objections to such requests. In order to assure that requests for naming are considered equitably and consistently, we have agreed with the West Virginia Legislature that the naming of a facility requires a Concurrent Resolution from both Houses. This Resolution also establishes an official name for the road or bridge, and ensures that the name cannot be changed in the future. Any Senator or Delegate may sponsor such a Resolution.
Therefore, should you wish to initiate the naming process, may I suggest you contact a member of the Legislature about sponsoring the necessary Resolution. Once the Resolution has passed, the WVDOH will erect the necessary signs as expeditiously as possible.
Thank you again for your email and your interest in our programs. Should need any additional information, please feel free to contact me.
Matthew H. Skiles, P.E.
West Virginia Division of Highways
Traffic Engineering Division
Building 5, Room A-550
1900 Kanawha Blvd., East
Charleston, WV 25305
phone: (304) 558-7423
fax: (304) 558-1209
Please help preserve Danny’s memory and contact your representatives.
The Mt. Gay Blvd. Bridge dedication was held at 11 am at the bridge on May 26th, 2013. A special thanks to everyone who contacted their representatives and to Delegate Rupert Phillips for sponsoring the resolution.
The excerpt below courtesy of the www.virtualwall.org.
On 09 May 1967 elements of Fox Company, 2/3 Marines, were patrolling to the west of Khe Sanh, moving from Hill 881N toward Hill 778. As the Marines approached Hill 778, heavy underbrush forced them to divert from their intended track into a gully. Rather than remain in the lower ground, Fox 2/3 climbed the southern slope toward higher ground, where they were engaged by NVA troops intent on crossing the gully from south to north.
The meeting engagement on the hillside quickly grew into a full-fledged battle fought in difficult terrain largely covered in six-foot-tall elephant grass. By the time the fight ended, Fox 2/3 had lost 22 Marines and 2 Navy Corpsmen, with many more wounded – and the NVA had withdrawn back into the jungles and tall grasses.
With one exception the Marines of Fox 2/3 brought out their dead and wounded: the body of Private Robert J Todd could not be found in the elephant grass. The dead were
Danny M. Greene Memorial Bridge dedicated 5-26-2013 Photo courtesy of Frances Greene Browning.
Danny M. Greene Memorial Bridge dedicated 5-26-2013 Photo courtesy of Frances Greene Browning.
Danny's high school and Marine Corps photo.
Danny's high school and Marine Corps photo.
Wedding Photo
Wedding Photo
Pvt. Robert Todd was kill with Danny Greene in Vietnam but his body was never recovered. Photos courtesy of Richard Todd, his brother.
Pvt. Robert Todd was kill with Danny Greene in Vietnam but his body was never recovered. Photos courtesy of Richard Todd, his brother.
Robert J. Todd was killed in Vietnam May 9, 1967 but his body was never recovered. Photo courtesy of Richard Todd, his brother.
Robert J. Todd was killed in Vietnam May 9, 1967 but his body was never recovered. Photo courtesy of Richard Todd, his brother.
Pvt. Robert Todd was kill with Danny Greene in Vietnam but his body was never recovered. Photos courtesy of Richard Todd, his brother.
Pvt. Robert Todd was kill with Danny Greene in Vietnam but his body was never recovered. Photos courtesy of Richard Todd, his brother.
Marine Danny M. Greene
Marine Danny M. Greene
1st Battle of Khe Sanh memorial service, May 17, 1967. Image courtesy of Richard Todd.
1st Battle of Khe Sanh memorial service, May 17, 1967. Image courtesy of Richard Todd.
Vietnam map courtesy of Richard Todd.
Vietnam map courtesy of Richard Todd.
Vietnam map courtesy of Richard Todd.
Vietnam map courtesy of Richard Todd.
Vietnam map courtesy of Richard Todd.
Vietnam map courtesy of Richard Todd.
Logan Banner, Feb. 17, 1960 courtesy of Alice Knipp Garnto.
Logan Banner, Feb. 17, 1960 courtesy of Alice Knipp Garnto.
The Vietnam battle area where 22 Marines and 2 Corpsmen from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd were killed on May 9, 1967. Photo courtesy of Richard Todd.
The Vietnam battle area where 22 Marines and 2 Corpsmen from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd were killed on May 9, 1967. Photo courtesy of Richard Todd.
Vietnam Honor Roll, Oct. 26, 1966 Logan Banner.
Vietnam Honor Roll, Oct. 26, 1966 Logan Banner.
At Forrest Lawn, mother and son and Larry Hinkle.
At Forrest Lawn, mother and son and Larry Hinkle.
No. 577 USMC League
No. 577 USMC League
Larry Hinkle and Danny were good friends. Danny is buried next to him.
Larry Hinkle and Danny were good friends. Danny is buried next to him.
Logan Banner Engagement Announcement - Miss Frances Gay Dillow to Pvt. Danny M. Greene.
Logan Banner Engagement Announcement - Miss Frances Gay Dillow to Pvt. Danny M. Greene.
Delegate Rupert “Rupie” Phillips Jr. reading of the resolution and Danny's six year old grandson, Nathan holding the flag.
Delegate Rupert “Rupie” Phillips Jr. reading of the resolution and Danny's six year old grandson, Nathan holding the flag.
Regina (daughter), Jerry Greene and Danny's grandsons, Logan (12), Ethan (15) and Nathan (6).
Regina (daughter), Jerry Greene and Danny's grandsons, Logan (12), Ethan (15) and Nathan (6).
Ethan, Regina, Logan, Jerry, Tommy, and Thurmon Dillow.
Ethan, Regina, Logan, Jerry, Tommy, and Thurmon Dillow.
Ethan, Regina, Logan, Jerry, Tommy, and Thurmon Dillow.
Ethan, Regina, Logan, Jerry, Tommy, and Thurmon Dillow.
Ethan, Regina, Logan, Jerry, Tommy, and Thurmon Dillow.
Ethan, Regina, Logan, Jerry, Tommy, and Thurmon Dillow.
Back center with the cap is Richard Todd. His brother was killed with Danny but the family never got his remains back - he is still MIA after all these years.
Back center with the cap is Richard Todd. His brother was killed with Danny but the family never got his remains back - he is still MIA after all these years.
Regina (daughter), Jerry Greene and Danny's grandsons, Logan (12), Ethan (15) and Nathan (6)
Regina (daughter), Jerry Greene and Danny's grandsons, Logan (12), Ethan (15) and Nathan (6)
Tommy Greene, Thurmon Dillow, Cuba Gore, Rosalee Gore, Richard Todd and (right) Lawrence Browning.
Tommy Greene, Thurmon Dillow, Cuba Gore, Rosalee Gore, Richard Todd and (right) Lawrence Browning.
Andy Clark, Dana Greene, Delegate Rupert “Rupie” Phillips Jr., Rosalee Gore and mother, Cuba Gore, Richard Todd, Nathan (Danny's six year old grandson), and Thurmon Dillow.
Andy Clark, Dana Greene, Delegate Rupert “Rupie” Phillips Jr., Rosalee Gore and mother, Cuba Gore, Richard Todd, Nathan (Danny's six year old grandson), and Thurmon Dillow.
May 26th, 2013 - Tommy Greene and son, Dana (back), Delegate Rupert “Rupie” Phillips Jr., Jerry Greene, Fran (Danny’s widow), Nathan (Danny's youngest grandson, 6), Ethan (Danny's oldest grandson, 15), Logan (Danny's middle grandson, 12) and Regina (Danny's daughter and mother of the three boys).
May 26th, 2013 - Tommy Greene and son, Dana (back), Delegate Rupert “Rupie” Phillips Jr., Jerry Greene, Fran (Danny’s widow), Nathan (Danny's youngest grandson, 6), Ethan (Danny's oldest grandson, 15), Logan (Danny's middle grandson, 12) and Regina (Danny's daughter and mother of the three boys).
Danny in Vietnam.
Danny in Vietnam.
Danny in Vietnam
Danny in Vietnam
Danny in Vietnam
Danny in Vietnam
Logan Banner Danny M. Greene Church
Logan Banner Danny M. Greene Church
S-Sgt. Tommy Greene wounded in Vietnam - Logan Banner.
S-Sgt. Tommy Greene wounded in Vietnam - Logan Banner.
Summer 1965 at Man
Front: Danny Greene and Frank Thompson, Back: Larry Nelson and Jerry Greene
Summer 1965 at Man
Front: Danny Greene and Frank Thompson, Back: Larry Nelson and Jerry Greene
Summer 1965 Danny Greene (clowning around), Larry Nelson, Jerry Greene, and David Samson
Summer 1965 Danny Greene (clowning around), Larry Nelson, Jerry Greene, and David Samson
1955 Mt. gay Elementary School
1955 Mt. gay Elementary School
1954 Mt. gay Elementary School
1954 Mt. gay Elementary School
David Samson about 1966 (deceased).
David Samson about 1966 (deceased).
Larry G, Nelson in Vietnam 1967 a.k.a. Larry Thompson (deceased),
Larry G, Nelson in Vietnam 1967 a.k.a. Larry Thompson (deceased),
Larry D. Hinkle (1945-1966) - he is buried at Forrest Lawn next to his friend Danny Greene.
Larry D. Hinkle (1945-1966) - he is buried at Forrest Lawn next to his friend Danny Greene.
Danny's name on "The Wall" in DC.
Danny's name on "The Wall" in DC.
Danny M. Greene - Forest Lawn Cemetery, Pecks Mill, WV
Danny M. Greene - Forest Lawn Cemetery, Pecks Mill, WV
Danny Greene leaving the Island after school in his 1954 Maroon Mercury. In the car also are probably Larry Nelson, David Samson, and Danny's brother Jerry.
Danny Greene leaving the Island after school in his 1954 Maroon Mercury. In the car also are probably Larry Nelson, David Samson, and Danny's brother Jerry.
This is the underside of the old Logan Boulevard Bridge that runs over Cherry Tree and Mount Gay. Danny was the only Vietnam Casualty from Cherry Tree. Danny used the mud on the top of the pier to put his initials on the I-beam high up out of the weather. He then continued to crawled over the creek and went down on the other side. This photo was taken on 6-11-2000.
This is the underside of the old Logan Boulevard Bridge that runs over Cherry Tree and Mount Gay. Danny was the only Vietnam Casualty from Cherry Tree. Danny used the mud on the top of the pier to put his initials on the I-beam high up out of the weather. He then continued to crawled over the creek and went down on the other side. This photo was taken on 6-11-2000.
Driving is Danny. This was taken from the LHS 1964 yearbook.
Driving is Danny. This was taken from the LHS 1964 yearbook.
Aunt Reba would have been proud to see this I know. My father was Freddie Akers. Aunt Reba was such a sweet woman!! I was just a baby when Danny died but she spoke of him often. I will show this to my mother Betty. She will be happy to see it.
Gret News! Delegate Phillips phoned me this morning. We have the bridge at Mt. Gay and it will be named in Danny’s honor. We have not decided on a dedication date at this time. I will post again when we have that date. Thanks and God Bless to all of you for your assistance in getting this accomplished.
Frances, I am so glad about the bridge being named for Danny. The Greene family and I go way back. My family, Clyde and Ruth Musick, lived beside them at Cora, WV. Reba and Dick were close friends of my parents. Tommy and I played together as kids. I remember Danny and Richard very well. I also recall hearing of Danny’s death in Vietnam. That bridge with Danny’s name is a great honor for the young Logan County men who gave their lives in that crazy war that seemed to accomplish nothing. God bless you and your family.
I just received my Journal for the House of Delegates. Although there are several bridges and highways being names for different Veterans’ from Logan County, I could find no mention of Danny Greene. I emailed Mr. Phillips and asked if it would be possible to get a resolution introduced this session. I suggest others do the same.
That doesn’t mean Mr. Phillips hasn’t introduced the resolution, just that I didn’t see it. I did however write him a brief note asking if the resolution could be introduced this session. It could just be an oversight.
Just received a note from Mr. Phillips and the Jan. 16 copy of the State Journal. Mr. Phillips, Stowers and Butcher submitted to rules H.C.R. 14 to name the bridge at Cherry Tree the Danny M. Greene Bridge.
My brother was with Danny on May 9th, 1967. I guess you could say he is still with him. My dad is from Beckley, WV and is still living. We would be honored to meet any of his family and I know I would love to be at the dedication of the bridge. Maybe someone could contact me at the above email address.
I personally knew Danny Greene and his family. I grew up in Shamrock and at one time the Greene’s lived there. Reba Greene, Danny’s mother, was one of the finest christian ladies that I have ever known. Danny’s dad was a good friend of my husband and did work on his car. I didn’t know about Danny putting his initials under the bridge until I read this article. I personally think it would be an honor to have the bridge named after Danny and see his name on a sign at the bridge.
Frank, I notified Lawrence Kammerer, Commander of the Marine Corp League in Logan about naming the bridge. I sent two messages so far no response. So I suppose we are on our own.
I am Danny’s younger brother Jerry. To name this bridge in honor of Danny was something our mother always dreamed of. From his wife and daughter and our family we would like to thank you very much. May God bless.
I went to school with Danny and remember him as a very sweet person. I think naming the bridge after him would be very respectful. My brother Richard Owsley passed away from the Agent Orange. Those men need all the recognition they can get for what they gave for their country.
I am the widow of Corp. Danny M. Greene. I currently reside in Ohio. My sister (WV) sent me the article by Frank Thompson. I cannot express what it meant to me to know Danny has such a dear friend who is proposing something so wonderful to honor his memory.
Danny and I have a daughter, Regina who has given us three precious grandsons. We come to Logan often to decorate his grave as well as now, his dear mother’s. What a tribute and memorial it would be for Danny’s grandsons to have this visual memorial to the grandfather they never got to know in person.
Danny lived with his family in Mt. Gay. I never knew the story about him placing his initials under the bridge until I read it in Frank’s article. How fitting that the bridge bearing his initials and leading to his home town should have the replacement honor his name. Please help to get this accomplished.
I have already written the representatives posted on the site. Please add your emails/letters to the same and help get this bridge dedicated to Danny who’s name can symbolize for all who cross it that it bears a memorial to a Viet Nam vet who gave all for his country, his family, his friends and his home town and will simultaneously bear honor to all the vets of this war and proclaim, “They will not be forgotten.”
Hello;
My first thought was to have the new bridge named ” The John Bridge”
This would have historical background, as the first settlers in the area were John Deskins, John Ellis, and my ancestor, John Dempsey. Then I realized their names were already associated with Logan county communities.
I think it is fitting to have the bridge named for a war veteran, as I am one of remaining vets of ww2. Danny Green would certainly qualify.
Frank, what a beautiful tribute to your friend, Danny. I didn’t know Danny, but I am very proud to call both you and Kyle Workman my cousins (Governor Tomblin too), all with ancestral roots at Harts Creek in Logan County!
I am honored to send a letter today to:
Matthew H. Skiles, P.E.
West Virginia Division of Highways
Traffic Engineering Division
Building 5, Room A-550
1900 Kanawha Blvd., East
Charleston, WV 25305
side. During our last summer in Logan, he and I used to hang out under the bridge admiring all of the cool cars going by. Since Danny was the only vet killed in Vietnam from Mount Gay, it occurred to me that it would be very nice if the new bridge could be named in his honor. This would be especially nice since he put his initials on the old bridge. I remembered that Kyle Workman served as the Executive Director of the Foundation/Commission to build the Veterans Memorial at Charleston so I emailed Kyle asking for his help. Kyle graciously got involved and emailed Governor Tomblin. Kyle received the reply below and suggested that I post it on this site to encourage people to get involved and contact their representatives.
Aunt Reba would have been proud to see this I know. My father was Freddie Akers. Aunt Reba was such a sweet woman!! I was just a baby when Danny died but she spoke of him often. I will show this to my mother Betty. She will be happy to see it.
Gret News! Delegate Phillips phoned me this morning. We have the bridge at Mt. Gay and it will be named in Danny’s honor. We have not decided on a dedication date at this time. I will post again when we have that date. Thanks and God Bless to all of you for your assistance in getting this accomplished.
Danny M. Greene’s widow – Frances Greene Browning
Great news Frances.
Frances, I am so glad about the bridge being named for Danny. The Greene family and I go way back. My family, Clyde and Ruth Musick, lived beside them at Cora, WV. Reba and Dick were close friends of my parents. Tommy and I played together as kids. I remember Danny and Richard very well. I also recall hearing of Danny’s death in Vietnam. That bridge with Danny’s name is a great honor for the young Logan County men who gave their lives in that crazy war that seemed to accomplish nothing. God bless you and your family.
I just received my Journal for the House of Delegates. Although there are several bridges and highways being names for different Veterans’ from Logan County, I could find no mention of Danny Greene. I emailed Mr. Phillips and asked if it would be possible to get a resolution introduced this session. I suggest others do the same.
This is very disappointing news. Thanks, Kyle.
That doesn’t mean Mr. Phillips hasn’t introduced the resolution, just that I didn’t see it. I did however write him a brief note asking if the resolution could be introduced this session. It could just be an oversight.
Just received a note from Mr. Phillips and the Jan. 16 copy of the State Journal. Mr. Phillips, Stowers and Butcher submitted to rules H.C.R. 14 to name the bridge at Cherry Tree the Danny M. Greene Bridge.
Outstanding! Thank you, Kyle.
rictod5@hotmail.com
My brother was with Danny on May 9th, 1967. I guess you could say he is still with him. My dad is from Beckley, WV and is still living. We would be honored to meet any of his family and I know I would love to be at the dedication of the bridge. Maybe someone could contact me at the above email address.
Richard
I personally knew Danny Greene and his family. I grew up in Shamrock and at one time the Greene’s lived there. Reba Greene, Danny’s mother, was one of the finest christian ladies that I have ever known. Danny’s dad was a good friend of my husband and did work on his car. I didn’t know about Danny putting his initials under the bridge until I read this article. I personally think it would be an honor to have the bridge named after Danny and see his name on a sign at the bridge.
Frank, I notified Lawrence Kammerer, Commander of the Marine Corp League in Logan about naming the bridge. I sent two messages so far no response. So I suppose we are on our own.
Thank you, Kyle. My understanding is that Delegate Rupert Phillips is working on sponsoring the resolution in January.
I am Danny’s younger brother Jerry. To name this bridge in honor of Danny was something our mother always dreamed of. From his wife and daughter and our family we would like to thank you very much. May God bless.
I did not know Danny very well in high school, he was in my class of 1965.
I sure hope the bridge is name in honor of Danny.
Rupert Phillips Jr. (D – Logan)
District 19
Capitol Address:
Room 224E, Building 1
State Capitol Complex
Charleston, WV 25305
Capitol Phone: (304) 340-3174
Business Phone: (304) 687-9793
E-mail: rupert.phillips@wvhouse.gov
I went to school with Danny and remember him as a very sweet person. I think naming the bridge after him would be very respectful. My brother Richard Owsley passed away from the Agent Orange. Those men need all the recognition they can get for what they gave for their country.
I want to go on record to say that I totally support this and have emailed the elected officials listed in the article.
I am the widow of Corp. Danny M. Greene. I currently reside in Ohio. My sister (WV) sent me the article by Frank Thompson. I cannot express what it meant to me to know Danny has such a dear friend who is proposing something so wonderful to honor his memory.
Danny and I have a daughter, Regina who has given us three precious grandsons. We come to Logan often to decorate his grave as well as now, his dear mother’s. What a tribute and memorial it would be for Danny’s grandsons to have this visual memorial to the grandfather they never got to know in person.
Danny lived with his family in Mt. Gay. I never knew the story about him placing his initials under the bridge until I read it in Frank’s article. How fitting that the bridge bearing his initials and leading to his home town should have the replacement honor his name. Please help to get this accomplished.
I have already written the representatives posted on the site. Please add your emails/letters to the same and help get this bridge dedicated to Danny who’s name can symbolize for all who cross it that it bears a memorial to a Viet Nam vet who gave all for his country, his family, his friends and his home town and will simultaneously bear honor to all the vets of this war and proclaim, “They will not be forgotten.”
Hello;
My first thought was to have the new bridge named ” The John Bridge”
This would have historical background, as the first settlers in the area were John Deskins, John Ellis, and my ancestor, John Dempsey. Then I realized their names were already associated with Logan county communities.
I think it is fitting to have the bridge named for a war veteran, as I am one of remaining vets of ww2. Danny Green would certainly qualify.
Frank, what a beautiful tribute to your friend, Danny. I didn’t know Danny, but I am very proud to call both you and Kyle Workman my cousins (Governor Tomblin too), all with ancestral roots at Harts Creek in Logan County!
I am honored to send a letter today to:
Matthew H. Skiles, P.E.
West Virginia Division of Highways
Traffic Engineering Division
Building 5, Room A-550
1900 Kanawha Blvd., East
Charleston, WV 25305