Verobish: Blair County Bridge Memorializes Cousins from Altoona Who Fought in World War II

September 18, 2026

BLAIR – One of Blair County’s most traveled bridges was renamed today in honor of Jack and Sheldon Chambers, two cousins from Altoona who fought and died in World War II, following a bridge dedication ceremony held by Rep. Andrea Verobish (R-Blair). 

The bridge, which is now named the Jack E. and Sheldon L. Chambers Memorial Bridge, carries Interstate 99 over Pennsylvania Route 36 (Logan Boulevard). 

Jack E. Chambers enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in June 1942 at the age of 17. He quickly achieved the rank of corporal with the 3rd Amphibian Tractor Battalion, III Amphibious Corps, Fleet Marine Force. In July 1944, while in command of an Amphibian Tractor crew during the landing of assault troops on Guam, Jack Chambers was killed by hostile fire after helping rescue troops from nearby loaded vehicles that were incapacitated by enemy mortars. Jack Chambers was 20 years old when he died, and he is buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii.

Sheldon L. Chambers enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in June 1939 after graduating from Altoona High School. He served as a flight officer/co-pilot in the 308th Bomber Group, Heavy, 425th Bomber Squadron. In January 1944, Sheldon Chambers was part of the B-24J Liberator #42-73308, nicknamed “Hot as Hell.” When the crew took member took off from China during a routine flight to India, they were reported missing. The wreck of “Hot as Hell” was discovered in India in December 2006. Sheldon was 23 years old when he died, and he is memorialized at the Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines

“Jack and Sheldon joined the United States military as soon as they could, leaving the only home they had ever known. Even the remains of these brave cousins never made it back to Altoona,” Verobish said. “I am so proud we finally have a special piece of Blair County to remember Jack and Sheldon by. This landmark will remind everyone we are fortunate to call our communities home because of the service and sacrifice of our veterans, and inspire the future generation of heroes like Jack and Sheldon.”