The state House this week unanimously approved Representative Dave Reed’s bill to rename a Buffington Township bridge in honor of an Armagh man whose heroic actions in Vietnam saved the lives of his platoon members.
Reed’s bill would designate the bridge on State Route 2026 the “First Lieutenant Theodore P. Pytash Bridge”.
The 69-year-old Pytash and his wife, Brenda were introduced to the members of the House by Reed, who described the action of May 31st, 1970. On that day, Pytash’s Army platoon endured 45 minutes of heavy enemy fire and had nearly depleted all of its ammunition. He requested air support, and just as the jets arrived to drop their bombs, he ordered his men out of the area, saving their lives.
Pytash was awarded the Silver Star in 2002. He also was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, and the Bronze Star.
Reed’s bill now moves on to the Senate.
[xyz-ihs snippet=”ST-Bank”]
