Levittown Bridge Renamed For Marine Who Died In Vietnam

March 19, 2023

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, Rich Homa, Commissioner Bob Harvie, Commissioner Diane Marseglia, Dennis Best, Middletown Township Supervisor Bernadette Hannah and Ed Preston pose for a group photo.
Credit: James O’Malley/County of Bucks

A Levittown bridge was renamed on Saturday in memory of a Middletown Township U.S. Marine who died during the Vietnam War.

The two-lane Bucks County-owned bridge along Frosty Hollow Road over the Mill Creek in Middletown Township’s Levittown section between the Upper Orchard and Snowball Gate neighborhoods was officially renamed Cpl. David John Ortals USMC Memorial Bridge.

The renamed span was previously known as County Bridge 15, which was rehabilitated by the county in 2017.

The renaming drew a crowd for the Saturday morning ceremony attended by local elected officials and those who knew Ortals, who grew up down the street from the bridge.

Watching through an internet live stream, Ortals’ mother, Winnie, was watching with friends and family at her residence in Arizona. The day also marked her 100th birthday.

Ortals was born on February 6, 1948. He went to Bishop Egan High School before transferring to Neshaminy High School. He played varsity basketball at both schools.

Enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in June 1967, Ortals was married shortly before reporting to Vietnam. He worked as an unmanned aerial vehicle mechanic with Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 11, Marine Air Group 11, 1st Marine Air Wing.

Commissioner Chair Bob Harvie speaking.
Credit: James O’Malley/County of Bucks

“It is our solemn duty to keep the memories of heroes like Cpl. Ortals alive in any way we can,” said Commissioner Chairperson Bob Harvie. “While this may be just a small gesture when compared to what they’ve sacrificed, we as a County are proud to remember and honor those who gave everything in service to their community and country.”

Ed Preston addressing the crowd.
Credit: James O’Malley/County of Bucks

Ed Preston, a leader of the Pennsylvania Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and Hulmeville Borough resident, spearheaded the effort to rename the bridge.

The Bucks County Commissioners have partnered with Preston to dedicate county bridges for fallen Vietnam service members. The Levittown bridge is the second county bridge to be renamed for a Vietnam member of the military who had died.