Watsontown, Pa. — A Watsontown native who was killed in action in the Vietnam War will be memorialized with a highway in his hometown, according to State Rep. Michael Stender, R-Northumberland/Montour.
Under Act 80 of 2026, a portion of Route 405 in Delaware Township and Watsontown Borough will be named the PFC Richard F. “Ricky” Ritter Memorial Highway, Stender announced.
Ritter was 22 when he was killed, according to the release.
“Ricky Ritter’s life was cut tragically short, but his sacrifice and story have made a lasting impact on Watsontown and Northumberland County,” Stender said. “Dedicating a highway in his honor will remind everyone driving through our communities that we are proud of our hometown heroes and their contributions to our great nation.”
Ritter was born on Oct. 7, 1944. He grew up in Watsontown Borough and, after graduating from Warrior Run High School, entered the Marines. He was part of Company A, First Engineering Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, according to the release.
He was killed on March 15, 1967, near Da Nang, Vietnam. Ritter received the Purple Heart posthumously.
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