Oct. 08, 2021
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Jim Rigby (R-Johnstown) simply wants to preserve the memory of his friend.
“Even though Lee was a few years older than me, I knew him very well, as did many other people in our area who did things like tag along with him on his newspaper delivery route,” Rigby said. “He chose to serve his country and Johnstown is still very proud of him, and while the bill has my name on it, it is his classmates who deserve the credit for initiating the effort to keep his memory alive.”
This week, the House Transportation Committee passed Rigby’s legislation that would rename the State Route 403 (Bridge St.) bridge that crosses Stonycreek River in Ferndale as the PFC Lee David Meadows Memorial Bridge.
House Bill 1641 may now be considered by the full House.
PFC Meadows, a 1969 graduate of Ferndale High School, served with the Army’s 17th Cavalry, 1st Aviation Brigade as an observation/scout helicopter repairer during the Vietnam War. He died Sept. 15, 1970, when his helicopter took on hostile fire and crashed in Quang Tin Province.
He was honored posthumously with the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross and Army Good Conduct Medal.
Questions about this or any legislative effort should be directed to Rigby’s district office at 1- 814-536-9818.