The family and the Department of the Army have invited the PGR to be present when SFC Richard Granville Cushman arrives home, 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 meet the aircraft bringing SFC Cushman home and will accompany him to the funeral home in Cypress.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the airport to the mortuary. 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.
Time Table for Monday, 29 JAN 18:0600 - Stage at Bob Hope USO, 203 World Way, #200, Los Angles, CA 90045
https://goo.gl/maps/AdorSHV2frQ20615 - Mission briefing
0630 - Move to arrival location
0700 - Est KSU to Forest Lawn Memorial Park & Mortuary, 4471 Lincoln Ave., Cypress, CA 90630 (29.4 miles)
https://goo.gl/maps/YzPQxWzXq4C20800 - Est arrival at mortuary
0815 - Flag Line for dignified transfer of Hero to facility
R/C Craig (Gunny) Donor
GySgt USMC (ret)
Cell 909 208 7703
pgrgunny-001@yahoo.com
PGR SoCal State CaptainMember 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. 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.
