SOMERSET – Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) hosted a ceremony celebrating the designation of the Leroy Freeman Berkebile Memorial Bridge on Friday, Sept. 20. Local officials, students, teachers, as well as family and friends of Berkebile gathered in North Star Middle School’s parking lot to honor the Somerset County native’s robust military and aviation career.
“It is my hope that generations to come see this bridge and honor Captain Berkebile’s legacy by upholding the values he fought for—freedom, bravery and service to others,” Stefano said. “His story is tremendous and serves as an excellent reminder that the work we do here in Somerset County often has a national and even global impact that could last for generations to come.”
During the ceremony, Vince Greenland, district executive of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, District 9, and crew unveiled the newly erected signage in front of the bridge.
“Captain Berkebile’s sacrifice and dedication to our country will always be remembered in Somerset County,” said Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-69). “His decorated military record – coupled with his heroism on and off the battlefield – showcases how special of a person he was. No matter the task at hand, he fought valiantly to protect the people beside him.”
Berkebile enlisted in the Navy following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1942. Throughout World War II and the Korean War, he took to the skies as a pilot, leading strike missions and earning the “Distinguished Flying Cross” for his extraordinary valor.
Following his missions with Fighter Squadron 92 during the Korean War, Berkebile became a fleet gunnery instructor and taught the Navy’s air-to-air combat training program, also known as the famed “Top Gun” school. In 1954, he was promoted to captain and served in various Air Wing Command positions until his return to civilian life.
Throughout and after his military service, Berkebile was a pilot for American Airlines where his heroics continued. In 1972, he volunteered as the relief pilot during the hijacking of American Airlines Flight 119 and he played a key role in responding to the hijacking of American Airlines Flight 293 a few years later.
“In the face of adversity, he displayed incredible poise and composure when he volunteered as relief pilot. I am forever grateful for Captain Berkebile’s service,” Metzgar said.
Following his retirement, Berkebile continued to fly with Priester Aviation, LLC, on private charters and became renowned singer Frank Sinatra’s pilot of choice.
“His life is the story of a local Stoystown-area farm boy and coal miner who rose from those humble beginnings to the pinnacle of success in American aviation,” said Berkbile’s son, Jack Berkebile. “He was truly a leader of the Greatest Generation and served his country in three wars. He commanded the respect of all who knew or came into contact with him. He helped pioneer the airline industry and usher in the jet age. Leroy was a natural leader of men – a man’s man, and a pilot’s pilot.”
Berkebile is survived by several family members, including five sons who each pursued careers in aviation or the military.
“His commitment to protecting others, both in the military and throughout his civilian life, truly showcases the essence of what it means to be an American hero,” Stefano said. “It’s a privilege that we are able to celebrate such a full, selfless, heroic life well-lived.”
The legislation designating the bridge on state Route 403, over the Stonycreek River in Quemahoning Township, was signed into law as Act 63 of 2024.
CONTACT: Amanda Cuteri, 717-787-7175