The family of Lloyd Harold Johnston 93, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor this hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Harold went to work for the WWII effort at Douglas Aircraft right after high school then enlisted the following February. Harold joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in Mar 1943 and was honorably discharged Feb 1946. He was trained at the AAF Tech School in St Louis, MO as an Engine Mechanic then was shipped out to the European Theater in October 1943. He repaired and maintained mostly bomber aircraft at Burtonwood Air Base close to Manchester, England until the end of the war. He was then shipped to Germany, where he served as an entertainment specialist at an Allied Forces radio station for several months before being sent home on the Queen Mary. He was awarded the following medals: American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
Harold worked as a salesman in the restaurant supply business and was also a talented pianist and composer. He wrote a hymn that is included in several music books.
He and his wife Irma celebrated their 70th anniversary in January 2017. She survives him, as well as his daughters Lorraine Randolph and Marilyn Best, and his son Steve. He leaves his children’s spouses, 9 grandchildren plus spouses and 13 greats.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, and if you want to meet at Bakersfield National Cemetery please do so. We will accompany the Hero and his family from the mortuary in Ridgecrest, approximately 100 miles to the cemetery, and then we will be standing a Flag Line as this hero receives his Final Honors. If you want to meet at Bakersfield National Cemetery please do so.
Time Table for Friday 7 July 2017:0700: Stage at Holland & Lyon's Mortuary, 216 S Norma St, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
https://goo.gl/maps/sQLjU0720: Mission Briefing
0740: Flag Line for Hero to coach
0750: KSU for Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E Bear Mountain Blvd., Arvin, CA 93203
https://goo.gl/maps/kKmX10930: Est. Arrival at Bakersfield National Cemetery
1000: Est Flag Line for Military Honors
R/C Greg "Drifty" Vincent
SOCAL PGR Ride CaptainSliick333@msn.com
1-760-371-5467
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is 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.
