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In a former three room schoolhouse which now houses American Legion Post 423 in Henrietta, a proclamation has been made. It is to permanently change U. S. Route 74 and U. S. Route 221 to the Jerry Crump Memorial Highway and the Bryant Womack Memorial Highway respectively. To finally and outwardly honor the two sons of Rutherford and Polk County is long overdue. The efforts of American Legion Post 423 needs to be heeded. We simply ask, why had it taken so long to honor these two heros? It’s been 60 years since the Korean War, often referred to as “the forgotten war”. Rutherford and Polk County need not forget their native sons Jerry Crump and Bryant Womack. It’s time to stand up and further salute these two special men. 60 years later we offer our apologies to these two heros for taking so long. Let us never forget what they did for our country.
Jerry Crump was born in Charlotte and entered the Army in Forest City. Despite his wounds he lived until January 10, 1977. He was only 43 years old. He is buried at Mt. Zion Methodist Church in Cornelius, N. C. Bryant Womack was born in Mill Spring in Polk County. His parents George and Julie Womack later lived in Rutherfordton on Route 4. Their son is buried at Lebanon Methodist Church in his hometown of Mill Spring, N. C. This 20 year old soldier has been honored by the United States Army by naming the 500 bed hospital at Fort Bragg, the Womack Army Medical Center. Bryant Womack grew up as a farm boy who picked peaches in the summer and worked as a laborer on the farm. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding bicycles. Both men fought in that “forgotten war” and definitely should never be forgotten.
