PA HB2227

Designates Bridge Key 68687 on Pennsylvania Route 271 over a tributary of Blacklick Creek in Blacklick Township, Cambria County, as the Martin J. Kupchella Memorial Bridge

Martin J. Kupchella (April 14, 1920 – January 5, 2000) was a Nanty Glo native and coal miner who served in the U.S. Army during World War II, seeing action in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, Northern Apennines, and Central Europe

Kupchella earned the Silver Star Medal for valor on December 17, 1944, near Honengen, Belgium, when he volunteered to lead an anti-tank gun under enemy fire and rescued his wounded platoon leader

Additional military decorations included the Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, and six Bronze Star Medals

Requires the Department of Transportation to erect and maintain appropriate signs displaying the bridge name in both directions; takes effect in 60 days