COUDERSPORT – Two more Potter County bridges will be named in honor of area veterans who died in service to the country under a new state law, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) announced today.
“These men gave their lives for us and for our country, and they should be honored and remembered each and every day,” Causer said. “Naming these bridges in their memory will serve as a reminder to all of us of their sacrifice.”
Under Act 9 of 2018, the bridge located on Avenue A over the Allegheny River in Coudersport Borough is designated the Commander Philip F. “Jet” Palmatier Jr. Memorial Bridge. The law also designates the bridge on Sunnyside Road over the Oswayo Creek in Shinglehouse Borough as the PVT Malon Stanley Memorial Bridge.
Palmatier was born in Coudersport in 1950, graduated from high school with honors and was appointed to the United States Naval Academy. On Dec. 10, 1990, Palmatier was flying a training mission over the Gulf of Mexico when his TA-4 Skyhawk collided with another jet, killing him.
Stanley, also a native of Potter County, was drafted into the United States Army at the start of World War II and served in the 1st Cavalry Division. He was among the forces that stormed Leyte Island under the command of Gen. Douglas MacArthur and was killed in action in 1944 while providing cover for his fellow troops who were ordered to retreat. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for his service.
Causer sponsored House Bill 1510 to name both Potter County bridges. His proposal was added to another bill naming several other bridges across the Commonwealth. That bill was signed into law by the governor on Feb. 15.
Working with area veterans organizations and county and local officials, Causer has helped to designate more than a dozen Potter County bridges to honor area veterans.
