Carl Walker Metzgar
11/15/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/15/2024 14:07
Metzgar Honors Legacy of Fallen WWII Hero Through Bridge Dedication Ceremony
Nov. 15, 2024
JEROME - Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Somerset) joined state and local officials, veterans and community members to dedicate a bridge on East Campus Avenue over U.S. Route 219 in Conemaugh Township, Somerset County, in honor of Tec 5 Kenneth J. Newcomer.
"We are able to enjoy our way of life because of Tec 5 Newcomer's bravery and selflessness," said Metzgar. "It was an honor to join his family and the community in paying tribute to a Somerset County hero. We are constantly reminded how freedom comes at a very steep price. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice he made to preserve our freedoms."
The dedication ceremony took place on Friday, Nov. 15, at the Jerome Volunteer Fire Department, where the community gathered to share stories about his life and legacy.
Tec 5 Newcomer was one of nine children in his family and became one of four brothers to serve in World War II when he enlisted for military service in January 1944. After completing boot camp, Newcomer was assigned to the U.S. Army Second Engineer Combat Battalion, Company C in the European Theatre of Operation. He landed on D-Day and was killed in action on Oct. 9, 1944, in Belgium. During his tour of duty, he received the Silver Star for bravery under fire during the battle for Hill 192 in June 1944. Being a combat engineer, he was trained for demolition and rose to the rank of Technician Grade 5.
In addition to his military service, Tec 5 Newcomer served in the Civilian Conservation Corps as a teenager.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has installed signage on the bridge to honor Newcomer's memory.
Representative Carl Walker Metzgar
69th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nate Temple
717.260.6396
[email protected]
RepMetzgar.com/ Facebook.com/RepMetzgar
"We are able to enjoy our way of life because of Tec 5 Newcomer's bravery and selflessness," said Metzgar. "It was an honor to join his family and the community in paying tribute to a Somerset County hero. We are constantly reminded how freedom comes at a very steep price. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice he made to preserve our freedoms."
The dedication ceremony took place on Friday, Nov. 15, at the Jerome Volunteer Fire Department, where the community gathered to share stories about his life and legacy.
Tec 5 Newcomer was one of nine children in his family and became one of four brothers to serve in World War II when he enlisted for military service in January 1944. After completing boot camp, Newcomer was assigned to the U.S. Army Second Engineer Combat Battalion, Company C in the European Theatre of Operation. He landed on D-Day and was killed in action on Oct. 9, 1944, in Belgium. During his tour of duty, he received the Silver Star for bravery under fire during the battle for Hill 192 in June 1944. Being a combat engineer, he was trained for demolition and rose to the rank of Technician Grade 5.
In addition to his military service, Tec 5 Newcomer served in the Civilian Conservation Corps as a teenager.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has installed signage on the bridge to honor Newcomer's memory.
Representative Carl Walker Metzgar
69th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nate Temple
717.260.6396
[email protected]
RepMetzgar.com/ Facebook.com/RepMetzgar
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