The family of Pfc Royal Lawrence Waltz, 20, and the US Marine Corps have invited the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany their Hero as he is returned to his home soil after being Missing In Action for nearly 78 years. We are honored to be there for this Hero.
Pfc Royal L. Waltz was serving with the US Marine Corps and was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 18th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands, in an attempt to secure the island. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated. Waltz died between the first and second day of the battle, Nov. 20-21.
Pfc Waltz has been MIA since that fateful day in November, 1943 and has finally been identified through DNA provided by his family. He is now being returned home to the San Joaquin Valley for burial. He was from Armona, California.
Pfc Waltz is survived by family members who will now have some closure knowing their Hero is finally home. He will never be forgotten.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the airport to hand off to the Bakersfield PGR in Frazier Park, a distance of approx 75 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
NOTE: PLEASE BE AWARE OF COVID PRECAUTIONS, HAVE MASK AVAILABLE IF NEEDED
Time Table for Thursday, 23 SEP 2021:0630 - Stage at Carl's Jr., 5625 W Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045
https://goo.gl/maps/yRBZ5Mi2WFUuEDSw80645 - Mission briefing
0715 - Move to arrival location
0745 - Est KSU to Flying J Travel Center 42810 Frazier Mountain Park Rd, Lebec, CA 93243
https://goo.gl/maps/v6QBxEfgxtEpFY28A0930 - Est arrival at Flying J and Flag Line for transfer of coach/Hero to PGR Bakersfield
R/C Tom Barry
So Cal PGR Ride Captainadmin@armobility.com
(714) 206-1227
This mission involves an aircraft arrival. Arrival times can change at the last minute so please check this thread for any last minute changes
before leaving.
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
