The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

Local News

June 22, 2009

Bill to name bridge for fallen soldier awaits Rendell signature

Wallace was killed in Afghanistan

By Matt Snyder

SHARPSVILLE — A Sharpsville bridge crossing the Shenango River may soon be named after a local fallen hero, Sgt. David W. Wallace III, who died in January in Afghanistan.

The bridge on Walnut Street next to the Sharpsville Veterans of Foreign Wars post will be renamed the Sgt. David W. Wallace III “Walleye” Memorial Bridge if a bill approved in the state legislature is signed by Gov. Ed Rendell.

Wallace was killed by an improvised explosive device at 10 a.m. Jan. 26 while on duty in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan with the 2nd Combat Engineer Battallion, 2nd Marine Division.

A member of the Blue Devil football and wrestling teams, the 25-year-old was the first Mercer County native to be killed in action in Afghanistan since the U.S. invaded to oust the Taliban.

“I'm looking forward to the governor signing the bill so people in Sgt. Wallace’s hometown of Sharpsville will have a memorial that honors this young man who laid down his life for his country,” said state Rep. Mark Longietti, Hermitage, D-7th District.

The House first approved the bill in April, said Longietti’s release. It was amended by the Senate to include Wallace’s nickname, “Walleye,” at the request of his mother, Carol Wallace.

Besides Longietti, the bill has been supported by Sharpsville Mayor Kenneth P. Robertson and state Sen. Robert D. Robbins, Salem Township, R-50th District, Longietti said.

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