Dec. 07, 2017
HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Dave Reed (R-Indiana), which would name a bridge in honor of a Vietnam War veteran from Indiana County, this week was unanimously approved by the House of Representatives.
House Bill 1845 would designate a bridge along State Route 2026 over the North Branch of Blacklick Creek, in Buffington Township, Indiana County, as the “First Lieutenant Theodore P. Pytash Bridge.”
Pytash, 69, of Armagh, was drafted into the United States Army in 1969 and served with the 3rd Platoon, Company A, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. In 2002, he was awarded a Silver Star Medal for his courageous leadership when the platoon came under attack on May 31, 1970.
Pytash and his wife, Brenda, along with other family members and friends were present in the House chamber and introduced by Reed, who also spoke about the soldier’s heroic actions on that day.
“The platoon encountered heavy enemy fire for approximately 45 minutes and had used most of its ammunition,” said Reed. “Just as the air support jets he requested began making their bombing run, Lt. Pytash ordered the platoon to move as fast as possible back down the trail. His quick thinking and decisive leadership undoubtedly saved the lives of many men.”
In addition to the Silver Star, Pytash was awarded National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal and Bronze Star Medal.
“It is our honor to be able recognize Lt. Pytash’s service and sacrifice by designating the bridge in his name, which is an appropriate way to ensure that his legacy lives on for future generations,” Reed added.
Under the legislation, the Department of Transportation will erect and maintain signs displaying the new name at both ends of the bridge.
House Bill 1845 now goes to the Senate for consideration.
The Pytashes with Reed and House Speaker Mike Turzai (left).
Representative Dave Reed
62nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717.260.6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
RepDaveReed.net /
Facebook.com/RepReed