SANDSTONE W.Va. (Hinton News) — Route 20 in Sandstone has been officially renamed in honor of Major Cornelius Burdette, a distinguished local hero and Olympic gold medalist. The renaming ceremony, held on Friday, Aug. 23, celebrated Burdette’s remarkable achievements in marksmanship and his service to the nation.
Major Cornelius Burdette won an Olympic gold medal for rifling at the 1912 Summer Games. His exceptional marksmanship did not end with his Olympic success; he also served with distinction during the Spanish-American War and pursued a career in the military. Burdette later joined the U.S. Marines, where he earned the Distinguished Marksman Medal, the Marine Corps’ highest decoration for marksmanship.
Burdette was renowned nationally for his expert knowledge of small arms and his contributions to military marksmanship. He passed away in 1955, leaving behind a legacy of service and excellence.
The renaming ceremony was attended by Burdette’s only surviving grandson, David Morton, as well as local dignitaries who gathered to honor the memory of this local hero. The event acknowledged Burdette’s dual legacy of athletic prowess and military service.
The renaming of Route 20 aims to preserve and celebrate Burdette’s significant contributions to both sports and national defense.
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