The family of USMC Gunnery Sergeant Cecil E. Edwards “Top” has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero of the “Greatst Generation”, for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
GySgt Edwards proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1945 through 1975. “Top”, lied about his age, and enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 15. Following boot camp, he was sent to Guam to help hunt down Japanese enemy stragglers. He then was sent to China, and was involved in skirmishes with the Chinese over control of ammunition dumps. After a short stay stateside, GySgt Edwards was then deployed to the Korean War, and was involved in one of the most challenging conflicts of that war, the Chosin Reservoir Campaign. He survived with severe frostbite on his hands, feet, nose, and ears. Following the Korean War, he remained in South Korea until 1954.
GySgt Edwards then served as a drill instructor in San Diego until he was deployed with the Kilo Company 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines to Vietnam. In Vietnam “Top” was wounded several times including being shot, stepping on a pongee stick, and he lost his left ear, and hearing in that ear. GySgt Edwards retired from his beloved Marine Corps in 1966, then served another 8 year term in the Fleet Reserves, rounding out his 30 years of service to his country.
For his service to his country, GySgt Edwards received many awards and ribbons, including: the Asiatic Pacific Medal, American Defense Medal, United Nations Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal, United States Army Good Conduct Medal, 5 United States Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, and 13 Purple Hearts!
Following GySgt Edward’s retirement from the USMC, he was a Master Machinist, and Gunsmith. He loved kids, animals, and restoring vintage Mustangs. At the age of 79, “Top” joined the American Civil War Society, as a Civil War Re-Enactor for the 1st Louisiana Special Battalion, Co. Tiger Rifles, and was the oldest on the West Coast, participating in this capacity.
“Top”, is survived by his wife Doris, sister Bettye Matthews, daughters Suzanne Mink, Robyn Brannan, Rita Starnes, and Janet Havlish, and 2 grandsons.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the Hero from the family home to the cemetery, approx 57 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
NOTE: Covid 19 restrictions are in place in San Diego County. Masks or face coverings are required and 6ft. social distancing is to be observed at all times.Time Table for Wednesday 24 MAR 2021:NOTE: Those interested in a group ride from the San Diego County area, we will KSU at 0930 from Park & Ride, 4730 CA-76, Fallbrook, Ca 92028. NE Corner of CA Hwy 76 & Old Hwy 395.
https://goo.gl/maps/6AeBr3RyqXEfjw179 1015 - Stage at Arco Service Station, 39640 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd., Murrieta, CA 92563. Intersection of Murrietta Hot Springs Rd., and Margarita Rd.
https://goo.gl/maps/PtnGiCk7PEowBwMM61030 - PGR Briefing
1045 - KSU to family home.
1100 - Dignified Flag Line as Hero’s urn is carried to family vehicle.
1115 - KSU to Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122 (approx 57 miles)
https://goo.gl/maps/HHQDcHhGbpFLmMHQA1215 - Est arrival at Miramar National Cemetery
1300 - Dignified Flag Line, Military Honors, and Funeral Service.
R/C Jeff "TriGeezer" Werner
So Cal Patriot Guard Ride CaptainCarlsbad, Ca
Cell: 503-989-5315
Pgrtrigeezer@Yahoo.com
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 by the Rid Captain (R/C). 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.
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