The family of Edward Renz Murphy Jr has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
After graduating from Principia College in Elsah, Illinois in 1960, he accepted a commission in the US Navy. His service included: the USS Guadalupe (AO-32); the US Naval Base Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines; the USS Twining (DD-540); the US Naval Destroyer School Newport, RI as a student; the USS Robison (DDG-12); the US Naval Facility at Centerville Beach, CA; and as the Executive Officer of the USS Pueblo (AGER-2) which was hi-jacked in international waters by the North Koreans on Jan 23, 1968.
Awards Eddie received include Navy and Marine Corp Medal; Purple Heart with 1 star; Navy Commendation Medal with bronze V; POW Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with 1 star; Vietnam Service Medal with 1 star; Korea Defense Service Medal; and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/1960’s Device.
In 1969, after nine years in the US Navy, Lt. Edward R Murphy, Jr. resigned his commission and authored his book Second in Command: The Uncensored Account of the Capture of the Spy Ship Pueblo (1971). While pursuing his career as an author and lecturer, he also owned and operated Coach ‘N Camper, an El Cajon, California RV dealership for 26 years. He was also an agent for Foremost Insurance Company specializing in RVs and mobile homes.
Beginning another chapter of his life, Eddie drove transit and charter buses for various San Diego area companies. He loved driving, but his Prisoner of War experience in North Korea was finally catching up with him. While volunteering as a driver for the Disabled American Veterans Transportation System, the North Korean torture sessions began to resurface forcing him to resign.
He and Carol, his wife for over 61 years, enjoyed traveling, especially cruising. His travels took them to all seven continents. In 2018 to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of his release, Eddie returned to Korea and by special accommodation was able to visit the “Bridge of No Return”. Eddie was the last Pueblo crew member to cross this bridge to freedom. Since 1968 no other human has crossed this bridge.
Eddie’s community activities included: Past President of the San Diego Chapter of the Trailer Coach Association; Past Treasurer California RV Dealers Association; Past President of the Mother Goose Parade Association (of El Cajon, CA); Past President El Cajon Business Association; Past President and Distinguished Director of the Boys Club of El Cajon; Past Distinguished President of the Sunrise Optimist Club of San Diego; Past Lt Governor and Past Distinguished Governor of the California South District of Optimist International; Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of East (San Diego) County Foundation; life member of Optimist International: Optimist Club of Issaquah WA and Optimist Junior International Curling Club, British Columbia; Optimist International Foundation: Christian D. Larson Partner and member of the William H. Harrison Society; OI Certified New Club Builder and International Field Representative; Life member Tin Can Sailors Association; member of the USS Pueblo Veterans Association; Life Member American Ex-Prisoners Of War Association, San Diego Chapter; Life Member of Disabled American Veterans San Diego Chapter 2; Life Member Veterans of Foreign Wars Sable Post 2275; member AMVETS Post 17 El Cajon; and Paid-Up-For-Life member of the American Legion Post 303 of El Cajon, CA.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, all PGR members are welcome. This Mission will be an accompaniment from the family home to Miramar National Cemetery, approx. 16 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 Friday May 29, 20261015 - Stage at Denny’s Parking lot located at 2691 Navajo Rd El Cajon, CA 92020
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SxbTpo9hah2Yh6a17 1030 - Mission Briefing
1045 - KSU for family home
1100 - Flag Line of Honor for the transfer of our Heroes remains to family car
1120 - KSU for Miramar National Cemetery 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cHb7XZ9u88qbWXZS8 1200 - Arrival at Miramar National Cemetery
1230 - Flag Line of Honor, Funeral Service with Military Honors
R/C Stacey McCarthy “Lil Bit”
SoCal PGR Regional Captain(619) 277-5176
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 is your first mission, go to the initial staging area, and you will be briefed by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or wear casual attire while driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent 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. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we honor.
