The family of Thomas Bussjaeger has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Tom joined the US Marine Corps on Sept. 10th. 1942. and was honorably discharged on Jan. 31st. 1946. He discharged as a 1st Lt. He enlisted right after Pearl Harbor, but stayed in college to prepare for officer training. He trained at Quantico & Camp Pendleton, 2nd Amtrak Battalion.
Tom went to Saipan in Fall of 1944; in April 1, 1945 his LST was kamikazed during the beginning of the Okinawa battle. His ship was listing and towed back to Saipan, 2 weeks later his unit returned to Okinawa for completion of that battle and to capture nearby smaller islands. His unit began preparing for the invasion of Japan, but Hiroshima bombing cancelled that. He returned home in December 1945 to his wife & 7 month old daughter.
Tom had no combat injuries, he died from stroke complications on March 21st. 2021 at the age of 99.
After his military life Tom went on to work as a door lock salesman for 40 + years with Weiser, Falcon, & Yale lock companies.
He is survived by one sister, 4 children and approx 20+ grandchildren and great grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
PLEASE NOTE: ALL COVID REQUIREMENT MUST BE FOLLOWED, FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED AND 6 FT DISTANCING.Time Table for Friday 23 April, 2021:1130 - Stage Miramar Nat. Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/STubfui67kmbFb4s61145 - Mission briefing
1230 - Flag Line, Service and Full military honors
R/C Ken Brassell
SoCal PGR Ride Captainkenbrassell@gmail.com
619-333-9685
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).
