The family of
Fire Control Technician Chief Petty Officer Philip Charles Ruckdeschel has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor this hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Philip Ruckdeschel, 92, served his country in the US Navy for 30 years (1943 to 1973). He was a veteran of WWII where he survived multiple Kamikaze attacks while aboard the Cleveland-class light cruiser, USS Biloxi (CL-80). He would also serve aboard the USS Tombigbee (AOG-11), a Patapsco-class gasoline tanker that was acquired by the U.S. Navy for the dangerous task of transporting fuel to warships in the fleet and to remote Navy stations. He retired at the rank of Fire Control Technician Chief Petty Officer (E-7).
For his service FTC Ruckdeschel was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal with 4 Stars, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 9 Stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 2 Stars and the Navy Occupation Service Medal (Asia). Towards the end of his career he went back to San Diego and taught at the school house.
This hero is survived by his 2 sons and 2 daughters, 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
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 standing a Flag Line at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery as he receives his Final Honors. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Friday, 3 August 2018:1245 – Stage at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
https://goo.gl/maps/t1ZJ3Cdc1Z921310 – Mission Briefing
1330 - Flag Line, Funeral Service with Full Military Honors
R/C Lorenzo LizarragaSoCal PGR Regional Ride Captain
619-971-2236
llizarraga@yahoo.com
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.
