Central Bucks Today

The Bucks County-owned bridge over Mill Creek in Middletown Township has been rededicated in memory of a Levittown Marine who died while serving his country in the Vietnam War. 

Previously County Bridge #15, the Cpl. David John Ortals, USMC Memorial Bridge was officially renamed Saturday morning during a brief ceremony attended by dozens of veterans’ advocates, neighbors, government officials and friends of the late corporal.

“It is our solemn duty to keep the memories of heroes like Cpl. Ortals alive in any way we can,” said Commissioner Chair 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.” 

The bridge is located along Frosty Hollow Road between Upper Orchard and Juniper drives near where Ortals lived in Levittown. Born Feb. 6, 1948, Ortals attended Bishop Egan High School before transferring to Neshaminy High School. He played varsity basketball at both schools. 

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

Ortals died May 22, 1970, in Da Nang, Vietnam. 

Dedication of the bridge named for Ortals coincided with the 100th birthday of his mother Winifred, who lives in Arizona. 

The bridge is the second county-owned bridge to be dedicated to a soldier killed in the Vietnam War. The dedication program is part of an ongoing partnership with local veterans’ advocate Ed Preston. 

Original source can be found here.