Part 2 of 2 Parts
The family and the US Navy have invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present for the arrival and funeral of Seaman First Class John Albert Karli, age 18, as he comes home to his family after being Missing In Action since December 7, 1941.
John Karli was born in San Marino, CA on the estate of railroad magnate Henry Huntington that is known as Huntington Botanical Gardens. Both of John's parents were employees of the ranch. His parents Hildur and Albert had immigrated from Switzerland and both became US citizens. John was the youngest in the family with 4 older sisters.
John attended local schools and graduated from Muir High School in June, 1940. He had excelled in baseball in school and was catcher and co-captain of his high school baseball team. He was also one of only 6 high school players that got invited to play on the Pasadena City College baseball team.
John had always wanted to go in the military and help to defend the USA, just after graduating high school he enlisted in the US Navy and on July 12, 1940 he reported to Naval Training Station in San Diego. Upon successful completion of his training he reported to duty aboard the USS Oklahoma. The Oklahoma was anchored in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 6, 1940.
SN1 John Karli was aboard the USS Oklahoma in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when his ship was bombed by the Japanese Imperial Navy and was listed as missing. He perished along with 428 other crewmen. In addition to the Purple Heart medal that was awarded posthumously in December of 1943, he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the American Defense Service Medal in December of 1946.
He was identified on September 10, 2018 and is now coming home to Southern California and his family.
He is survived by a nephew, David Snyder (Jo) of Fair Oaks, California, and two nieces, Deanna Durham-Larkin, of Cottage Grove, Oregon and Marilyn Long (George) of Lake Forest, California. He is also survived by 15 grand nieces and nephews and many great grand nieces and nephews
John Albert Karli, Seaman First Class, will be laid to rest with his parents, fulfilling their lifelong wish that their son would return home.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero.
Time Table for Wednesday, 01 MAY 19:1000 - Stage at Mt View Mortuary & Cemetery, 2400 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Altadena, CA 91001
https://goo.gl/maps/vgKG6wmFqiokZXQcA(Stage at parking lot inside gate and to the right)
1015 - Mission Briefing
1030 - PGR to gravesite to await arrival of hero's coach.
Missing Man Riders remain at gate parking to accompany coach
1045 - Missing Man Riders accompany coach to gravesite
1100 - Flag line and full military honors at graveside
R/C Steve Blumenfeld
aka Captain Chaos
So Cal PGR Ride CaptainUSAF SSGT 1971-74
661-212-2284
steveb507alrpgr@gmail.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 safe
