John Michael Beyrand to be Honored with Highway Dedication Event

June 24, 2022

WESTMORELAND COUNTY – Rep. Eric Davanzo (R-Westmoreland) will host a highway dedication event for John Michael Beyrand this Sunday, June 26. The event will take place at noon at the Wyano VFW, located at 2210 1st St., Wyano. 

Beyrand attended California University of Pennsylvania before being drafted by the Army. He served in the first Calvary Division of the 11th Combat Aviation Brigade of the U.S. Army’s 229th Aviation Battalion. On Aug. 9, 1967, in the Song Re Valley of the Quang Ngai Province in South Vietnam, Beyrand was killed in action while providing cover fire from his helicopter in order to protect fellow helicopters retrieving wounded soldiers from the battlefield.

To honor his bravery, Beyrand was awarded the Purple Heart, military merit medal, gallantry cross with palm, air medal with first through seventh oak leaf clusters, and the distinguished flying cross.

“It seems only appropriate that we honor this hero with a bridge in his name,” said Davanzo. “I am happy to say that we are one step closer to naming a portion of a highway in South Huntingdon Township as the John Michael Beyrand Memorial Highway. May his life and his sacrifices never be forgotten.”

Any questions about the event can be directed to Davanzo’s district office by calling 724-929-2655.




Representative Eric Davanzo
58th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Michelle Swab
717.260.6325
mswab@pahousegop.com
RepDavanzo.com / Facebook.com/RepDavanzo