Bridge Renamed For Pennsbury Graduate Killed In Vietnam

YARDLEY, PA —When residents cross the Delaware Canal over the Bucks County-owned bridge on Letchworth Avenue, the name of William Warren Breece, Jr. will forever come to mind.

The bridge will now honor Breece, a Morrisville resident and Pennsbury High School graduate who was killed in action during the Vietnam War in 1968.

Bucks County commissioners held a dedication ceremony Wednesday to rename Bridge No. 313 after Breece. Watch a video of the ceremony below.

It is the fourth bridge dedicated to the memory of a fallen Vietnam soldier as part of a project, administered in partnership with local veterans’ advocate Ed Preston, meant to honor Bucks County residents who died in the Vietnam War.

Breece was killed in action on Dec. 5, 1968, while serving as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot in Vietnam.

The 20-year-old Pennsbury High School graduate had been in Vietnam for just six weeks when, despite being outnumbered and already severely wounded, he initiated an attack to aid friendly soldiers on the ground.

While on his attack run, Breece was struck and mortally wounded by an enemy round, county officials said.

(Photo Courtesy of Bucks County Government) William Warren Breece, Jr. of Morrisville is shown in his Pennsbury High School yearbook photo, above left, and in his U.S. Army uniform.

“In his final moments, Warrant Officer Breece displayed a bravery and commitment to his countrymen that should inspire us all,” said Commissioner Chair Bob Harvie. “We are immensely grateful for his service, and for the opportunity to make this small piece of his hometown a permanent part of his legacy.”

For his “quick thinking, aggressive action, and extraordinary heroism in close combat,” Breece was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, county officials said. He is credited with saving numerous friendly lives.

Breece is buried in Newtown Cemetery.

(Photos Courtesy of Bucks County Government) Community members, veterans, and veterans' advocates, including the Warriors' Watch Riders, were in attendance Wednesday during the dedication of the Warrant Officer William W. Breece, Jr., Memorial Bridge in Yardley Borough. Below, Bucks County Commissioners Chairman Bob Harvie speaks during Wednesday's ceremony.