The family of Michael P. Fedele has requested the presence of the Patriot Guard Riders to honor this American Hero; it will be our honor to do so.
Michael of Beaumont, California, was born in Brooklyn, New York, on 20 August 1924 and entered Eternal Rest on 17 April 2023.
Born in Brooklyn, he was the son of Sicilian immigrants. His life was propelled by a work ethic born of his survival in the Great Depression and his father's passion for America.
Michael, a member of “The Silent Generation,” was in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946 during World War II, where he saw combat duty in Northern France and Germany. Michael was a Teletype Operator and Installer serving with the 566th Signal Company. He was trained in the use of the 30 Cal. Rifle, the M-1 Rifle, and the 45 Cal. Pistol.
He was deployed on Christmas Eve, 1944, on the USS Leopoldville troop ship. This story was finally made public on the Discovery Channel. The ship was in the English Channel when it was torpedoed, and as its voyage was secret, many soldiers perished. Michael remembers the logistical problems associated with the rescue, going up the U.S. Chain of Command to the British Chain of Command while soldiers were perishing in the water mere miles from the coast. He served with honor in France and Germany and, when discharged, fought the invisible demons that followed him home.
His awards/citations included the American Service Medal, the EAME Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and was issued the WWII Lapel Button. Michael received his honorable discharge as a PFC from Ft. Dix, New Jersey.
He learned that working hard had its rewards and did all he could to support his family of three boys, often working two jobs.
He loved to cook and had many recipes from the old country, and his natural affability led him to be a restauranteur, owning or operating several. A true Renaissance man, he also had a keen eye for construction and worked in that field for a number of years, even helping to build his own house.
He was a passionate woodworker and, in his final years, often made ornate picture frames. He loved his children and took special delight in his grand and great-grandchildren.
Michael was a member of VFW, American Legion Post 291 and 426. At Post 426, he was a past Post Commander. While he commanded that post, he made many changes that benefitted the welfare of the post and its members, including the construction of the bar.
He received his 100% service-connected disability at the VA in Loma Linda and became active in aiding the veterans there. He became Transportation Captain, expanding and streamlining that service to serve veterans better. He was often seen in the Canteen, meeting with and talking to veterans about how they could obtain their benefits, counseling them, and helping them with their troubles.
Michael is survived by his sisters Marie and Alice, and his sons Thomas and Douglas. He also leaves behind two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting will facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will accompany the Hero and his family from the mortuary to his final resting place. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. We will meet you there for those who would instead go directly to the Cemetery.
NOTE: Please observe the latest “COVID-19” restrictions.
Time Table for Wednesday 03 May 2023 1145 – Stage at Weaver-Hughes Mortuary, 33629 Yucaipa Blvd., Yucaipa
https://goo.gl/maps/sF8wvgHZrw4Jn4je61215 – Mission Briefing
1230 – Flag line as our Hero is transferred to the coach.
1245 – KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 (PGR Staging area, north of the first Rest Room as you come into RNC. This will allow a Flagline as the accompaniment enters the Cemetery)
http://goo.gl/maps/v0K0E1400 – KSU to assigned shelter for Flag line, Service, and Military Honors
RC: Mike “Joker” Courtright
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
mokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356
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 wear casual attire if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall, silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes—no talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just those we honor.
