Monfurd K. Peyton – Colonel, United States Marine Corps

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A JOINT RESOLUTION naming the “Colonel Monfurd K. Peyton Memorial Bridge” in Morgan County.WHEREAS, Monfurd K. Peyton was born April 26, 1910, at Cannel City in Morgan County, Kentucky; and

WHEREAS, Monfurd K. Peyton married Florence Mae Paytes on September 17, 1940; and

WHEREAS, Morgan County's native son Monfurd K. Peyton joined the United States Marine Corps in 1932, and, after being commissioned an officer, transferred to the Marine Air Corps; and

WHEREAS, Monfurd K. Peyton was stationed at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands in the South Pacific during World War II where he gallantly served as a Marine fighter pilot in the Pacific Theater of Operations; and

WHEREAS, while returning from an air raid mission, Monfurd K. Peyton and three other pilots spotted a large number of enemy bombers and fighter planes headed for an attack on the American airfield at Guadalcanal; and

WHEREAS, Monfurd K. Peyton, a Major at the time, was the flight leader and led his fellow pilots in Marine Corsair fighters in an attack on the enemy formation; and

WHEREAS, one American plane was damaged and returned to Guadalcanal and two of the remaining American planes were shot down, but Monfurd K. Peyton continued alone to attack the enemy until he was wounded; and

WHEREAS, during the dangerous dog fight, Monfurd K. Peyton shot down three enemy fighter planes, causing the remainder of the enemy strike force to break off the engagement and turn toward their home base; and

WHEREAS, Monfurd K. Peyton's efforts resulted in him being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery in battle; and

WHEREAS, Monfurd K. Peyton continued to serve his country during the Korean War and eventually retired with the rank of Colonel from the United States Marine Corps; and

WHEREAS, Colonel Monfurd K. Peyton and his beloved wife Florence Mae had four children, Monfurd Kenneth Jr., Cheryl Jane, Kathy Sue, and Martha Lynn; and

WHEREAS, Colonel Monfurd K. Peyton was also the loving brother of Anthony, Vernon, and Warren Peyton and devoted uncle of David Peyton; and

WHEREAS, Colonel Monfurd K. Peyton died on October 11, 1982 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery;

NOW, THEREFORE,

Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:

Section 1. The Transportation Cabinet shall name the bridge located on the west side of West Liberty, Kentucky on United States Route 460 that crosses the Licking River near the intersection of United States Route 460 and Kentucky Route 2498 (Wells Hill Road) the “Colonel Monfurd K. Peyton Memorial Bridge.”

Section 2. The Transportation Cabinet shall erect signs within thirty days of the effective date of this Resolution that read “The Colonel Monfurd K. Peyton Memorial Bridge” at each approach to the bridge located on the west side of West Liberty, Kentucky on United States Route 460 that crosses the Licking River near the intersection of United States Route 460 and Kentucky Route 2498 (Wells Hill Road).

Section 3. Six copies of this resolution shall be sent to Mr. Tony Adkins, Morgan County Historical Society, 1014 Liberty Road, West Liberty, KY 41472, who shall forward five copies to the Peyton family in care of Mrs. Florence Mae Peyton.

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