Bill naming Blacklick Township bridge after WWII hero signed into law
Act 80 of 2026 designates Martin J. Kupchella Memorial Bridge along Rt. 271
Rep. Frank Burns October 23, 2026 | 10:41 AM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 — A bill sponsored by state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, naming a bridge in Blacklick Township, Cambria County, after local World War II hero Martin J. Kupchella has been signed into law by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Act 80 of 2026 designates the bridge carrying Pennsylvania Route 271 over a tributary of Blacklick Creek as the Martin J. Kupchella Memorial Bridge.
“I’m proud to see this bill honoring the service of Mr. Kupchella become law,” Burns said. “As a decorated military hero who reflected the true spirit of our country, Mr. Kupchella deserves this honor.”
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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“As a decorated military hero who reflected the true spirit of our country, Mr. Kupchella deserves this honor.”
– 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.
Act 80 also designates more than 30 other bridges and highways across the state to honor veterans and firefighters.
Introduced by Burns as H.B. 2227, the legislation was signed Thursday. It was approved unanimously by the House last month and by the Senate on Wednesday.
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