The family of Staff Sergeant Vincent J. Rogers Jr., who was Killed In Action on 21 January, 1944, have asked the PGR to be with them as they bid a final farewell to their hero. It is our honor to do so.
Staff Sergeant Vincent J. Rogers Jr. was born on 1 June 1922.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp on 20 October 1942 in Buffalo, New York, and was eventually assigned to the 38th Bombardment Squadron, 30th Bombardment Group. As a member of the squadron, S Sgt Roger's served as Assistant Radio Operator on a B-24J, no. 4272982. Staff Sergeant Rogers was killed on 21 January 1944 when his plane crashed during a combat mission off of Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands.
In the autumn of 1943, the U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet set its sights on the Gilbert Islands. The Gilberts offered the Pacific Fleet a platform from which to launch air assaults on the Marshall and Caroline Islands. Ultimately these islands would serve as stepping stones for U.S. forces with key bases increasingly closer to the Japanese islands. The Gilbert islands were a first crucial 1st step.
The key to the American seizure of the Gilbert Islands was the capture of Betio Island, a small island located within Tarawa Atoll with a key Japanese airstrip abs sizable Japanese garrison. Between 20 and 23 November 1943, Marines from the 2nd Marine Division (2nd MARDIV) hurled themselves against strongly entrenched Japanese forces on Betio Island.
By the end of 23 November 1943, American forces controlled the atoll. In total, the 2nd MARDIV suffered 1,020 dead, and more than 2,000 wounded. On 24 November 1943, the majority of the 2nd MARDIV withdrew from Betio Island. Only the chaplains and a defense garrison, including a series of U.S Navy Construction Battalion ("Seabee") units, remained on island to bury the dead and repair and operate the airfield.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time table for Wednesday, 5 June 20191100 - Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 (family to staging area #4, PGR please stage just North of #8)
https://goo.gl/maps/vmLAK5ukkG3yUgLZ71115 - Mission briefing
1145 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service and Military Honors
R/C Craig (HDCraig) Breskin
So Cal PGR Ride Captain
cbreskin@verizon.net818-448-3955 cell
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.
