The family of Ignacio Huerta Sanchez, 102, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany their World War II hero on his final journey. It is our privilege to honor one of the last of the Greatest Generation heroes.
Ignacio “Nick” Sanchez was born on November 16, 1922 in El Paso, TX. In 1928 his family moved to Kansas City, MI. After high school, Nick enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 17.
Upon completion of training, Sanchez’s 10-member B-17 crew was ready for World War II aerial combat and assigned to the 8th Air Force base in Chelveston, England, the 1st Bombardment Division, 40th Combat Bombardment Wing, 305th Bombardment Group, 422nd Bomb squadron. He was involved in 5 major battles in France. As a ball-turret gunner, Sanchez made 35 successful missions, including the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. Sanchez returned to the U.S. in February 1945 and married his childhood sweetheart, Mercedes Vargas. He served with various Bomb Squadrons and then cross-trained into refueling tankers assigned to the 42nd Air Refueling Squadron (SAC). He retired in June 1965 as a Master Sergeant (E-7) after serving 21 years.
During his service, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct with three loops, American Campaign Medal, Europe African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with five battle stars, WWII Victory Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with four Oak Leaf Clusters. He was also named a Chevalier (Knight) in the National Order of the Legion of Honor – France’s highest award.
After military life, Nick worked for Angelus Sanitary Can Machine Shop as a machinist and worked another 23 years and retired.
Nick enjoyed bowling, golfing, and softball. He was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling to Kansas City to visit family as well as traveling to military reunions.
Our hero leaves behind his childhood sweetheart, Mercedes Sanchez, as well as 7 children, and a legacy of 17 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Ignacio came from a family of 10 children.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the church to the cemetery, approximately 8 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE FOR WEDNESDAY, 30 JULY 20250930: Stage Saint Irenaeus Catholic Church, 5201 Evergreen Ave, Cypress, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kbmvfN2W1oiWgxu3A0945: Mission briefing.
1000-1015: Flag line as hero is moved from the coach to the church.
1030: Mass begins. (Please arrive quietly for late arrivals.)
1135: Flag line as hero is moved from the church to the coach.
1140: KSU to assigned Old Souls Cemetery, 4400 Cherry Ave, Long Beach, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fLGmDXMVr8W5B9Zf71200: Flag line and military honors at gravesite.
Craig “Jip-C” Lane, CPL USMC
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
bigredroadglide@yahoo.com
(760) 900-0388You 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 Ride Captain (RC). 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.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
