Section 3. U.S. Marine Captain Thomas J. Kennedy, Jr., Memorial Bridge.
(a) Findings.--The General Assembly finds and declares as follows:
(1) Thomas J. Kennedy, Jr., was born May 18, 1930, in the City of Erie, Erie County, and served the United States in the Marine Corps, where he reached the rank of Captain.
(2) Captain Kennedy was the Senior Battalion Advisor to the Fifth Battalion, Vietnamese Marine Brigade, in the hostile area of Phu An, Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam.
(3) On June 12, 1966, Captain Kennedy was with the Fifth Battalion Command Post when the lead elements were pinned down by heavy enemy fire and the Command Post was destroyed by enemy mortar and rifle fire, killing the Battalion Commander, the Battalion Surgeon, key staff officers and numerous soldiers.
(4) Although suffering multiple shrapnel wounds, Captain Kennedy located a radio and, with his last breath, reported the situation, allowing the battalion to set up a defensive perimeter and repulse repeated enemy attacks.
(5) Despite his mortal wounds, Captain Kennedy prevented enemy forces from overrunning the remaining battalion units and valiantly gave his life protecting the lives of his fellow Marines.
(6) For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action, Captain Kennedy was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the third-highest personal decoration for valor in combat.
(b) Designation.--The bridge, identified as Bridge Key 15986, on that portion of Interstate 79 northbound over West 16th Street in the City of Erie, Erie County, is designated the U.S. Marine Captain Thomas J. Kennedy, Jr., 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.