BEDFORD — Rep. Jesse Topper, R-78th District, will recognize a Korean War prisoner of war by dedicating the Churchview Road bridge over Beaver Creek in South Woodbury Township as the PFC/POW William G. Koontz Memorial Bridge during a ceremony at 11 a.m. Aug. 17.

“Bill Koontz spent 838 grueling days as a prisoner of war, enduring harsh treatment and poor living conditions,” Topper said. “Yet he survived and returned to his family and Bedford County, where he carried on his life with dignity.”

Koontz was raised in a small farming community in northern Bedford County. He returned to Pennsylvania after his release in 1953. Koontz was married to Blanche, for more than 50 years. He died in 2016.

A light lunch will be served at Koontz Church of the Brethren, 4764 Churchview Road, after the ceremony. RSVPs must be made by calling Topper’s office at 623-9097 by Friday, Aug. 10. Attendees should park at the church.