Part 2 of 2 partsThe family and the Department of the Army have invited the PGR to be present when SFC Richard Granville Cushman is interred at Forest Lawn, Cypress, we will be honored to do so.
Richard Cushman was born February 29, 1932 in Pingree, Idaho. He was missing for 66 years and will now finally be coming home after having been identified through DNA by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command in Hawaii.
SFC Richard G. Cushman was just 18 yrs old when he was fighting for the U.S.A. in Korea when he was captured by the enemy on December 5, 1950. He later died in a POW camp, and was declared deceased on March 31, 1951. SFC Cushman was attached to Company A, 72nd Medium Tank Battalion, 2nd Infantry. He had already received the Silver Star for heroic actions at the time of his capture.
Here is the citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Richard G. Cushman (ASN: RA-19352760), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 72d Tank Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy from 1 to 4 September 1950 in the vicinity of Yongsan, Korea. On 1 September 1950 Sergeant Cushman volunteered for a patrol that was to move through territory where the enemy had penetrated the infantry's defensive positions and had surrounded and overrun several rifle companies. While on this patrol he voluntarily manned the antiaircraft mounted .50 caliber machine gun which made it necessary for him to ride on the exposed rear deck of the tank. Despite the intense small arms fire from both flanks and the front he refused to leave his dangerous position and continued to deliver effective and accurate fire in support of the belabored infantry. Largely through his actions, the tank patrol aided in successfully halting the enemy while the infantry formed a new defensive line which eventually stopped the enemy's advance. On 4 September 1950 he again voluntarily manned the .50 caliber machine gun on the rear deck of his tank while his section was attacking a strongly defended enemy position. Although subjected o intense enemy anti-tank gun and small arms fire he remained in his exposed position and delivered a heavy concentration of machine gun fire upon the enemy. During this action the tank upon which he was riding was hit by anti-tank fire seven times. His heroic conduct was greatly instrumental to the accomplishment of the section's mission and in recovering two dead American soldiers. His gallantry on these occasions was an inspiration to his comrades and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.
General Orders: Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 92 (November 24, 1950)
Action Date: September 1 - 4, 1950
We will be present at the cemetery to honor this Hero as he is interred at Forest Lawn and receives his military honors.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero.
Part 2 Time Table for Saturday, 03 FEB 18:0915 hrs Stage at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 4471 Lincoln Ave, Cypress, CA 90630 (just past the entrance info booth)
https://goo.gl/maps/X7CusajXyHr0930 hrs Mission briefing
1000 hrs Accompany hero to grave site
1015 hrs Flag line for hero from coach to internment location
1030 hrs Military honors
Ride Captain
Paul (PeaceKeeper) AndersonDowney, CA
310.717.3656
PeaceKeeper1944@gmail.com
Blessed are the PeacemakersYou 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.
