Middletown Township – The Pennsylvania Route 413 bridge over U.S. Route 1 in Middletown Township was dedicated to Corporal John F. Muffler today in honor of a Langhorne Manor resident and Neshaminy graduate, who tragically lost his life on October 23, 1983, at the age of 19, in the devastating Beirut barracks bombing.
Sen. Frank Farry and Rep. Joe Hogan introduced legislation to formally dedicate this bridge to Corporal John F. Muffler. Earlier this summer, their language was included in an omnibus package of dedications, now Act No. 63 of 2024.
Family members, veterans, local dignitaries, and many community members gathered at Wood Services, with a view of the bridge, to honor Muffler’s sacrifice. The ceremony began with a presentation of colors by 3rd Battalion 14th Marine Color Guard, followed by a welcoming by Farry, Hogan, veteran advocate Ed Preston, and close friend and classmate of Muffler, Vince Muscato.
Corporal John F. Muffler was a 1981 graduate of Langhorne-Neshaminy High School. He was a dedicated drummer in the high school band. John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps right out of high school. His adventurous spirit led him to choose a path that would take him to Okinawa, Japan, Korea, and ultimately, Beirut.
On October 23, 1983, the suicide bombing attack on the U.S. Marine Corps barracks in Beirut claimed the lives of 241 American servicemen and wounded hundreds more. John was among the fallen, a victim of the horrific violence that shook the world. It was the deadliest single-day attack against U.S. Marines since the battle of Iwo Jima in 1945.
John’s sister, Diane said “I’m sad my children didn’t get to have their uncle in their life. I’m sad I didn’t get to see him grow up, get married and have a family on his own. So much was lost that day.”
John’s mom, Joan Muffler said, “John was a young man who could make you laugh. In his nineteen years, many friends and family enjoyed his humor. He was a proud Marine.”
“Corporal Muffler lived a stone’s throw away from this bridge and I am honored that I had a part in ensuring his legacy will live on forever right here in his community.”
“Honoring our Veterans is a responsibility I take very seriously,” said Hogan. “I am grateful that the community brought this request to Sen. Farry and I and honored that we were able to ensure Cpl. Muffler will forever be remembered.”
View bridge dedication ceremony here
CONTACT: Nicole McGerry 215-990-8949