The family of Pvt Jacob Cruz, age 18, and the US Marine Corps have invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be there to accompany their Hero as he arrives home after being missing for 77 years, we are honored to be there.
Pvt Jacob Cruz was serving with the US Marine Corps, Company D, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force, which landed against stiff Japanese resistance on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll of the Gilbert Islands. Over several days of intense fighting at Tarawa, more than 1,000 Marines and Sailors were killed and more than 2,000 were wounded, while the Japanese were virtually annihilated.
Private Cruz died on the third day of battle, 22 November 1943 repulsing a Japanese Banzai attack. He was reported to have been buried in Row D of the East Division Cemetery, later renamed Cemetery 33.
In 1946, the 604th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company centralized all of the American remains found on Tarawa at Lone Palm Cemetery for later repatriation; however, almost half of the known casualties were never found. No recovered remains could be associated with Private Cruz and in October 1949, a Board of Review declared him “non-recoverable.”
In mid-2019, History Flight Archaeologists located multiple sets of remains from the missing “Row D” of Cemetery 33 and turned them over to DPAA for identification. One set of those remains were confirmed as being that of Private Cruz after 76 years lost in the sands on Betio.
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Jacob Cruz (MCSN: 516933), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with a machine gun platoon attached to the First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division in combat against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands on the night of November 22, 1943. When his platoon was in desperate need of ammunition during fierce enemy counter attacks, Private Cruz worked tirelessly procuring it from distributing pints in the rear. Exposed at all times to hostile fire, he continued to carry out his perilous task with utter disregard for his own personal safety until he was killed by the enemy. Private Cruz's heroic devotion to duty was a vital factor in the success of our forces in repelling the Japanese and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
We, the PGR, are grateful that we have been invited to honor this great Hero as he finally returns to his home soil to rest in eternal peace. He will always be remembered, NEVER FORGOTTEN.
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 airport to the mortuary, approx 25 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the mortuary, we will meet you there.
NOTE: COVID-19 restrictions apply, masks/face coverings required/6 ft distancing required
PART 2 will be posted when details confirmed
Time Table for Tuesday, 23 MAR 21:0600 - Stage at Denny's Restaurant (WEST parking area near bar entrance), 5535 W Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045
https://goo.gl/maps/p7kfnZZSsE7JsbRp80615 - Mission briefing
0645 - KSU to arrival location
0715 - KSU to Guerra Gutierrez Mortuary, 5800 E. Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90022
https://goo.gl/maps/ceAE7kzV9YvhxnBs5 (approx 25 miles)
0800 - Est arrival at mortuary
0810 - Flag Line for dignified transfer of Hero from coach to building
R/C Craig (Gunny) Donor
GySgt USMC (ret)
California State Captain
Patriot Guard RidersCell 909 208 7703
pgrgunny-001@yahoo.com
Member since 31 May 2006
PGR # 36750
Dream like you will live forever.
Live like there is no tomorrow.
When the world calls 911
The American Military answers the call.
This mission involves an aircraft arrival. Arrival times can change at the last minute so please check this thread for any last minute changes
before leaving.
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 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.
