by enemy mortar and rifle fire, killing the Battalion
Commander, the Battalion Surgeon, key staff officers and
numerous soldiers.
(4) Although suffering multiple shrapnel wounds, Captain
Kennedy located a radio and, with his last breath, reported
the situation, allowing the battalion to set up a defensive
perimeter and repulse repeated enemy attacks.
(5) Despite his mortal wounds, Captain Kennedy prevented
enemy forces from overrunning the remaining battalion units
and valiantly gave his life protecting the lives of his
fellow Marines.
(6) For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action,
Captain Kennedy was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the
third-highest personal decoration for valor in combat.
(b) Designation.--The bridge, identified as Bridge Key
15986, on that portion of Interstate 79 northbound over West
16th Street in the City of Erie, Erie County, is designated the
Thomas J. Kennedy, Jr., Memorial Bridge.
(c) Signs.--The Department of Transportation shall erect and
maintain appropriate signs displaying the name of the bridge to
traffic in both directions on the bridge.
SECTION 2. A. DONALD BUFFINGTON MEMORIAL BRIDGE.
(A) FINDINGS.--THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FINDS AND DECLARES AS
FOLLOWS:
(1) A. DONALD BUFFINGTON WAS BORN DECEMBER 16, 1929.
(2) MR. BUFFINGTON GRADUATED IN 1947 FROM THE FORMER
HEGINS TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL AND IN 1949 FROM THE FORMER
ECKLES COLLEGE OF MORTUARY SCIENCE, PHILADELPHIA.
(3) MR. BUFFINGTON FAITHFULLY SERVED HIS COMMUNITY AS A
BOARD MEMBER OF THE VALLEY VIEW PARK ASSOCIATION AND A BOARD
20190SB0593PN0678 - 2 -
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