Carl Walker Metzgar
11/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/01/2024 14:11
Metzgar Commemorates WWII Hero with Bridge Dedication Ceremony
Nov. 01, 2024
CAIRNBROOK - Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Somerset) joined state and local officials, veterans and community members to dedicate a bridge in honor of Seaman 1st Class Raymond Kozik, a Somerset County native who gave his life in service to his country during World War II. The bridge, carrying State Route 1016 (McGregor Avenue) over Dark Shade Creek in Shade Township, will now be known as the Seaman 1st Class Raymond Kozik Memorial Bridge.
"Seaman 1st Class Kozik embodies the courage and selflessness we honor today," said Metzgar. "I was privileged to join members of Kozik's family in dedicating this bridge, which will serve as a permanent reminder of his bravery and sacrifice and a tribute to the ultimate price he paid for our freedom. Somerset County residents will always remember him, and we are eternally grateful."
The dedication ceremony took place on Friday, Nov. 1, at Central City VFW Post 7457, where attendees gathered to remember Kozik's remarkable story and legacy. Seaman 1st Class Kozik served aboard the USS Indianapolis, which was tragically sunk by a Japanese torpedo on July 30, 1945. Though he initially survived the attack, Kozik succumbed to the harrowing conditions in the Pacific Ocean after four days at sea, just one day before the remaining survivors were rescued.
A graduate of Shade-Central City High School, Kozik was posthumously awarded numerous commendations for his valor, including the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Presidential Unity Citation and WWII Victory Medal, among others. His name is memorialized on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has installed signage on the bridge to honor Kozik's memory.
Representative Carl Walker Metzgar
69th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
"Seaman 1st Class Kozik embodies the courage and selflessness we honor today," said Metzgar. "I was privileged to join members of Kozik's family in dedicating this bridge, which will serve as a permanent reminder of his bravery and sacrifice and a tribute to the ultimate price he paid for our freedom. Somerset County residents will always remember him, and we are eternally grateful."
The dedication ceremony took place on Friday, Nov. 1, at Central City VFW Post 7457, where attendees gathered to remember Kozik's remarkable story and legacy. Seaman 1st Class Kozik served aboard the USS Indianapolis, which was tragically sunk by a Japanese torpedo on July 30, 1945. Though he initially survived the attack, Kozik succumbed to the harrowing conditions in the Pacific Ocean after four days at sea, just one day before the remaining survivors were rescued.
A graduate of Shade-Central City High School, Kozik was posthumously awarded numerous commendations for his valor, including the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Presidential Unity Citation and WWII Victory Medal, among others. His name is memorialized on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has installed signage on the bridge to honor Kozik's memory.
Representative Carl Walker Metzgar
69th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
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