Laurel Highlands Today

Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar, alongside state and local officials, veterans, and community members, dedicated a bridge to honor Seaman 1st Class Raymond Kozik. The Somerset County native lost his life during World War II. The bridge on State Route 1016 (McGregor Avenue) over Dark Shade Creek in Shade Township will now bear the name Seaman 1st Class Raymond Kozik Memorial Bridge.

"Seaman 1st Class Kozik embodies the courage and selflessness we honor today," stated Metzgar. "I was privileged to join members of Kozik’s family in dedicating this bridge, which will serve as a permanent reminder of his bravery and sacrifice and a tribute to the ultimate price he paid for our freedom. Somerset County residents will always remember him, and we are eternally grateful."

The dedication ceremony occurred at Central City VFW Post 7457 on Friday, Nov. 1. Attendees gathered to reflect on Kozik's story and legacy. Serving aboard the USS Indianapolis, Kozik survived an attack by a Japanese torpedo on July 30, 1945 but succumbed after four days at sea before rescue arrived.

Kozik graduated from Shade-Central City High School and received several posthumous commendations for his valor: the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, WWII Victory Medal among others. His name is inscribed on the Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has installed signage on the bridge to commemorate Kozik’s memory.