The family of US Army Air Corps, SSG, Hubert “Bert” Gallagher, age 99, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service. It will be our privilege to do so.
A WWII “Greatest Generation” hero, SSG Gallagher served in the US Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1945. He served with the 15th Army Air Force, 464th Bomb Squadron under the 55th Bomb Wing in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO), and also supported the 775th Bomb Squadron. Both of these squadrons were demobilized after the bombing of Japan in 1945.
After his service, Bert married, started his family and realized his lifelong dream of becoming a fireman when he was hired on with the Glendale Fire Department (GFD). In the early 1970s, Bert and 3 fellow firefighters all survived a small plane crash near Magic Mountain. Following that crash, his wife, Jo, legally changed her name to “Joy” as a symbol to how blessed she was to still have her hero by her side. Bert retired from the GFD in 1975.
Our hero was preceded in death by his wife, Joy, and daughter, Kathy. He is survived by his children: Sharon, Patrick, Ann & Mary Jo along with 14 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren.
Note: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested and all PGR members are welcome. We will be accompanying the Hero and his family from the Church to the cemetery, approx. 5 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. If you prefer to meet the procession at the cemetery, please feel free to do so.
Note: The church service will be in session during the Mission Briefing, so please be respectful when rolling into the parking lot.
Timetable for Thursday, 09 NOV 2023.
1030 – Stage at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 143 N. 5th St., Burbank, 91501 (
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rVq3aAeKRc4TFw7k9)
1045 - Mission Briefing
1100 - Flag line for transfer of our hero from the church to the coach
1115 - KSU to Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Dr., Los Angeles, 90068 (
https://maps.app.goo.gl/32fzXarGtqkscNWu7)
(Approx. 5 miles with hired Road Guards escorting the Package)
1130 - Flag line for transfer of our hero from the coach to the gravesite followed by Military Honors
R/C Dave Eng
SoCal Ride Captain
805-208-1206
Daveeng19@yahoo.com
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 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.
