Section 4. Private Walter L. Smith Spanish-American War Memorial Bridge.
(a) Findings.--The General Assembly finds and declares as follows:
(1) Private Walter L. Smith was born on April 27, 1877, in Muncy, Lycoming County. He was the son of David S. Smith, a Civil War veteran, and Hannah (Colley) Smith. Private Smith served in the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection.
(2) Private Smith first entered the service at Williamsport on May 7, 1898, and mustered into service May 12, 1898, as a private in Company D, 12th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He mustered out and was honorably discharged on November 1, 1898.
(3) Private Smith reenlisted on November 11, 1898, at Philadelphia during the Time of the Peace Jubilee, with the rank of Private in the U.S. Army, Company I, 1st U.S. Volunteer Infantry, as a member of the foot service, heavy artillery. From December 29, 1898, to September 6, 1900, he was assigned to Guanajay Barracks, Cuba. He arrived in the Philippines on April 15, 1901.
(4) On July 28, 1901, while on a supply patrol with a small detachment, Private Smith bravely and selflessly defended members of his company against an overwhelming ambush attack by approximately 60 native insurgents at Don Carlon, Samar, Philippine Islands. During the engagement, his Sergeant, the only other man who was armed, was shot and killed by the insurgents. As Private Smith courageously and fearlessly fought alone, two unarmed soldiers were able to escape and return to camp. Private Smith was soon overpowered by the enemy and severely wounded, being stabbed several times. He was captured and taken prisoner. The U.S. Army conducted multiple searches to locate Private Smith.
(5) Private Walter L. Smith was listed as missing in action until February 10, 1902, when the fact was established, beyond a doubt, that he had met his death at the hands of the insurgents on the date of his capture, July 28, 1901. His remains were never recovered for return home to his family in Muncy.
(b) Designation.--The bridge on State Route 2014 over the Muncy Creek in Muncy Creek Township, Lycoming County, is hereby designated the Private Walter L. Smith Spanish-American War Memorial Bridge.
(c) Signs.--The Department of Transportation shall erect and maintain appropriate signs displaying the name of the bridge to traffic in both directions on the bridge.