Jun 20, 2013 2 min read

The state Senate Wednesday 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 Washington County.

Senate Bill 546, sponsored by Sen. Tim Solobay, D-Canonsburg, names the new bridge that connects Washington and Greene counties the “Lieutenant General William M. Keys Bridge.”

“I appreciate the quick action on this bill, and I hope we can get something to the governor’s desk just as quickly,” Solobay said. “Quick, decisive action on the bill would be fitting to the reputation that Gen. Keys made in service to his country.”

Born in Fredericktown, Keys graduated from West Point and the National War College and served as a company commander in Vietnam. During Operation Desert Storm he was commanding general of more than 20,000 Marines and devised a famous “two-axis” attack that Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf called “simply brilliant.”

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.

S.B. 546 now goes to the House ,which last week passed similar legislation introduced by state Rep. Pam Snyder, D- Jefferson.