Bucks County owned Bridge #39 was recently dedicated in memory of WO1 William Herbert McDonnell, a U.S. Army soldier from Bucks County who was killed in action during the Vietnam War.
McDonnell, 19, died Jan. 24, 1969, after being mortally wounded while in command of a UH-1C helicopter that was providing cover for supply convoys. During this operation, McDonnell identified and attacked an enemy ambush site, drawing fire and attention away from friendly convoys while attracting enemy fire that ultimately downed his aircraft.
McDonnell, known to his friends as Billy, was one of four killed in the crash. He posthumously received the Silver Star for his actions.
During a planned flyover on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, a UH-1C helicopter passes above the dedication ceremony for the WO1 William H. McDonnell Memorial Bridge. The gunship was similar to the one flown during McDonnell’s final mission. Credit: Bucks County Government
“It’s important to think about the years that Billy did not have. He did not have a chance to grow old, he did not have a chance to raise a family… But we are here thanks to him, thanks to the sacrifice of many others,” said Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie. “It’s our obligation not just to dedicate memorials like this to them, but to think about the lives we’re living. Are we living a life that’s worthy of that sacrifice?”
The bridge dedication ceremony took place on Tuesday, June 24 and is named for McDonnell, who grew up in Newtown. It crosses Newtown Creek along Wrights Road in Newtown Township. It is the fifteenth County-owned bridge since 2022 to be named for a local soldier lost in the Vietnam War.
Pictured above atop the WO1 William H. McDonnell Memorial Bridge from left, Peter Chong, from the Office of Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick; Matt Allen, Director of Bucks County Veterans Affairs; Commissioner Vice Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia; Marine veteran Gus Cales; Brian McDonnell, brother of William McDonnell; Ed Preston, chair of the Pennsylvania Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (PAVVMF); Commissioner Chair Bob Harvie; and Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo. Credit: Bucks County Government
The dedications are part of the County’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge Program, which honors the 136 Bucks County residents lost in the Vietnam War. The County administers the program in partnership with Bucks County-based veterans’ advocate Ed Preston, who chairs the Pennsylvania Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (PAVVMF).
Click here to see more photos from this and other dedication ceremonies.
Click here to learn more about the program and the men it is meant to honor..
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