IMPORTANT: THE TIMES FOR THIS MISSION HAVE CHANGED!
PLEASE SEE THE UPDATED TIME TABLE BELOW!
The family of
Thomas Anders “Andy” Mills has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor this hero for his service to his nation. It will be our privilege to do so.
Andy Mills, 103, enlisted into the Navy in 1934 at age 19; this was at a time when African-Americans were only allowed to do certain jobs. But Andy broke barriers and is best known for his heroic actions during the Battle of Midway. That famous battle in June 1942, turned the tide of WWII in the Pacific. Andy was there as Chief Steward (CST) aboard the doomed carrier USS Yorktown (CV-5).
The Yorktown was struck by 3 bombs released from Japanese dive-bombers and the crew was ordered to abandon what was presumed to be a sinking ship. But it didn’t sink.
The next day a salvage party was assembled and Andy, the captain’s steward, volunteered. They put out fires, pumped out water and brought the ship close to even keel. Andy was able to get the ship's safe open and saved what he estimated to be 1/2 million dollars. Then the Yorktown was struck by Japanese torpedoes, cutting her in two. For the second time, the crew abandoned ship and this time she sank. Andy returned to San Diego where he served through the end of the war. The first African-American to make Chief, Andy was discharged in 1945.
For his heroics, Andy received no special honors. However, 75 years later in 2017 and in a ceremony at North Island, the Navy honored Andy with the dedication of “Andy Mills Hall”, a 900-bed barracks for young sailors, a rare nod to a living person.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be provide a Flag Line ass this hero rciebes his Final Honors. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
UPDATED Time Table For Wednesday, May 30, 2018:1115 - Stage at Cypress View Mausoleum, Mortuary and Crematory, 3953 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
https://goo.gl/maps/xpLsxVxeRLt 1145 – Mission Briefing
1245 – Flag Line for Transfer from Chapel to Gravesite and for Full Military Honors
R/C Ken "Santa Ken" BrassellSo Cal PGR Ride Captain
kenbrassell@gmail.com
619-333-9685 cell
Thomas “Andy” Mills 3/10/1915 – 5/18/2018You 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.
