Irvin Honors the Late Capt. Joseph Giacobello with Bridge Naming

October 28, 2019

HARRISBURG – This past weekend, a ceremony was held in Mount Union Borough for the dedication of the Captain Joseph S. Giacobello Memorial Bridge. Rep. Rich Irvin (R-Huntingdon/Centre/Mifflin) authored the legislation for the bridge dedication, which was signed into law as a part of Act 59 of 2019.

“It is always a great honor to have legislation passed into law that honors the men and women who served our great nation,” said Irvin. “It is my hope that when people read the sign with Capt. Giacobello’s name, they will pause to reflect on not only his service and sacrifice, but the service and sacrifice of all our veterans.”

Giacobello, a lifelong Mount Union resident, was drafted into the United States Army on June 17, 1942, and was assigned to the infantry. He did his basic training at Camp Pickett in Virginia, followed by Officer’s Candidate School at Fort Benning in Georgia. He went overseas with the 35th Infantry Division, Co. F, 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment, and arrived in Normandy on July 5, 1944. He entered combat on July 11, fighting in the hedgerows of St. Lo.

While serving, he heroically led his company in an attack on the French village of Hellimer, where he and two others stopped a machine gun and knocked out a Panther tank.

Giacobello is one of the most highly decorated soldiers in central Pennsylvania, earning the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Purple Hearts and the Combat Infantry Badge, while fighting in the European Theater.

After returning home, he became highly active in his Mount Union community, helping both veterans and area youth sports organizations.

Giacobello passed away on Feb. 16 of this year at the age of 99.

The newly named bridge is located along state Route 747 over the Juniata River in Mount Union Borough across the street from Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church on Front Street.

Representative Rich Irvin
81st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
RepIrvin.com / Facebook.com/RepIrvin