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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 4, 2021 12:11 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Frank Burns |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Seaman 2nd Class Louis J. Benzie WWII Memorial Bridge |
| Seaman 2nd Class Louis J. Benzie was a native of Dysart, Pennsylvania who served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was assigned to the destroyer U.S.S. Maddox, which became a unit of Task Force 81, the assault force for the invasion of Sicily, Italy. On July 10, 1943, the U.S.S. Maddox was attacked by a German dive bomber while on anti-submarine patrol about 16 miles off the shore of Sicily, taking a direct hit. The ship rolled over and sank within two minutes. During the attack, Seaman 2nd Class Louis J. Benzie was killed in action at the age of 18, and his body was never recovered. He was declared dead on July 11, 1944 and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. In recognition of Seaman 2nd Class Louis J. Benzie’s actions, I will be introducing legislation to designate a bridge on Pennsylvania Route 53 in Dean Township, Cambria County as the Seaman 2nd Class Louis J. Benzie WWII Memorial Bridge. Please join me in this effort to honor this local hero and to commemorate his service and sacrifice. |
Introduced as HB150