House approves bill to name Blacklick Township bridge after WWII hero
H.B. 2227 designates Martin J. Kupchella Memorial Bridge along Rt. 271
Rep. Frank Burns September 29, 2026 | 5:26 PM
HARRISBURG, Sept. 29 — The House today unanimously approved a bill sponsored by state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, that would name a bridge in Blacklick Township, Cambria County, after local World War II hero Martin J. Kupchella.
H.B. 2227 would designate the bridge carrying Pennsylvania Route 271 over a tributary of Blacklick Creek as the Martin J. Kupchella Memorial Bridge.
“I’m proud to sponsor this bill honoring a true American hero,” Burns said. “And I’m proud that it’s advancing in the General Assembly. Mr. Kupchella exemplified the true spirit of America and Cambria County, as well as the Greatest Generation, and this honor would be well-deserved.”
Kupchella was born April 14, 1920, in Nanty Glo. He worked as a coal miner before becoming inducted into the U.S. Army during World War II. He saw action in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, Northern Apennines and Central Europe.
On Dec. 17, 1944, near Honengen, Belgium, Kupchella volunteered to act as leader on a towed anti-tank gun while under enemy fire, and when his platoon leader was wounded, he ran into an open field to free a bogged-down vehicle to get the platoon leader to safety.
Kupchella's courage and devotion to duty during that battle earned him the Silver Star Medal, which is the U.S. Armed Forces' third highest military decoration for valor in combat. Kupchella was also awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal and six Bronze Star Medals for his service during World War II.
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“Mr. Kupchella exemplified the true spirit of America and Cambria County, as well as the Greatest Generation, and this honor would be well-deserved.”
– Rep. Frank Burns
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After returning home to Nanty Glo, Kupchella became active in his community as a member of VFW Post 3489, Holy Name Society, American Legion Post 619 and Coal Country Auto Club and as a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 522 in Ebensburg.
Kupchella died Jan. 5, 2000, at age 79.
H.B. 2227, which also designates more than 30 other bridges and highways across the state to honor veterans and firefighters, now heads to the Senate.
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