The family of John E. Holland has invited the Patriot Guard to join in honoring their hero from the Greatest Generation, and we are honored to do so.
John E. Holland was an A SGT with the US Army Air Corp who enlisted in 1944 at age 17 and was called to active duty a little less than a year later on 1 Jan 1945
He was a member of the 418th Night Fighter Squadron who flew the P-61 Black Widows. His tour of duty took him to Japan and Okinawa where he was a gunner while in the air and a 19 year old supervising Sergeant in charge of the welding shop on Okinawa. This naturally followed his testing “excellent” as both an airplane and engine mechanic/welder during training at Keesler Army Air Field in Mississippi. Additionally he qualified as Expert with the M1 Carbine. His awards and decorations include the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Army Occupation Medal and the WWII Victory Medal.
John worked in the Navy Shipyards locally both before and after his military service.
In 1950, he joined the LA City Fire Department and served the city for an additional 30 years.
He loved to camp, hunt, rebuild engines, build dune buggies, ride motorcycles and play Keno in Las Vegas. He also cherished the time he had watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.
He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Mary in 2004 and his first son, Johnny in 1998. He is survived by his son, Jim (Diane) Holland and his daughter Janie (Phil) Thetford. He is survived by 5 grandchildren, Sarah Wiley, Jodi (Steve) Gilbert, Missy (Sam) Wilson, Jimmy (Tiffany) Holland and Michael (Stephanie) Holland. There are 7 Great Grandchildren; Grace, Katelynne, Hannah, Wyatt, Stephen, Elijah, Emma and baby Levi is due in May 2014.
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 10 Jan 14:1015 – Stage at Green Hills memorial park 27501 S Western Ave, Rancho Palos Verdes
http://tinyurl.com/pm5mmaa1030 – Mission briefing
1045 - Flag line in front of chapel
R/C Jon LaFleur
paljoeyj@yahoo.com
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.
Please remember to share your condolences with the family at this link -->
http://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?385641
