University Times

World War II hero Anthony "Bib" DeLucia's memory will live on through a newly established scholarship at Pitt's Bradford campus.

DeLucia's brothers, Elmer and Augie, with help from area veterans, have initiated the Anthony "Bib" DeLucia Memorial Scholarship, which will benefit undergraduate students.

Augie DeLucia is a retired Bradford campus employee.

"We truly appreciate that the DeLucias have chosen to continue their brother's legacy with a scholarship at Pitt-Bradford," said campus President Richard E. McDowell. "This scholarship is a fitting and lasting way to honor a hometown hero while helping to provide financial support to future Pitt-Bradford students."

Bib DeLucia was a staff sergeant with the U.S. Army Air Corp during World War II. He was one of 10 crew members aboard a B-24 Liberator when it crashed into a South China mountainside in 1944.

The remains of the crew and wreckage from the plane went untouched for 52 years until two Chinese farmers came upon the crash site. After his remains were recovered, DeLucia was buried in St. Bernard Cemetery in Bradford.

The initial contribution of $2,000 to the DeLucia Memorial Scholarship came from donations raised by a committee of Bradford-area veterans.

The goal is to raise a minimum of $10,000 to endow a permanent scholarship fund at the Bradford campus. The first scholarship will be awarded from earnings when the scholarsip fund reaches this minimum endowment level.

To memorialize DeLucia, a plaque bearing his name will be added to the campus donor wall of recognition.

Contributions may be made to the Bib DeLucia Memorial Scholarship through the Institutional Advancement Office on the Bradford campus.

For more information, call 814/362-5091.