HARRISBURG — Two soldiers with ties to the 67th Legislative District will be remembered with bridges designated in their honor under legislation sponsored by Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, which was recently signed into law.
The bridges will be named for Sgt. Neil K. Dorrion and Staff Sgt. Gerrith Lowell Kibbe.
“It is my honor to work with local officials, area veterans groups and the families of these heroes to recognize their service and sacrifice to our community and our country,” Causer said. “Each time people cross these bridges they will be reminded that our freedom is not free but protected by people like these men who are willing to give their lives to preserve it.”
Under Act 64 of 2021, the bridge carrying State Route 1011 over Mix Creek in Eldred Township, McKean County, is designated as the Sgt. Neil K. Dorrion Memorial Bridge. Dorrion served in the U.S. Army during World War II and reenlisted in April 1949. He served as a medic with the Medical Company, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division. He was killed in action on Nov. 4, 1950, at Kunu-ri, North Korea, while tending to his wounded comrades.
The law also designates the bridge carrying State Route 3004 over the Allegheny River in Roulette Township, Potter County, as the SSG Gerrith Kibbe Memorial Bridge. Kibbe enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1961 and served with the 98th Maintenance Company, 86thMaintenance Battalion within Army operations. He was killed on June 24, 1967, while on duty in South Vietnam. With the naming of this bridge, Causer noted, all nine Vietnam War casualties from Potter County will be honored with a bridge dedicated in their name.
The law takes effect in 60 days. The bridges will be formally dedicated at a later time.
