This is a special and unusual circumstance mission for PFC Antonio D. Mancilla, 25, KIA, May 15th, 1945. PFC Mancilla was serving in the Philippines during WWII when he was KIA. At the time of his death, his young wife, being distraught, agreed to have him buried without honors there. This mission will give the honors he nor the family never received. The family have invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present when their hero is honored, we will be honored to do so.
PFC Mancilla was serving in the United States Army, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Division, Co. F, Sixth Army, 2nd Battalion, I Corps, Red Arrows Division in the Villa Verde Trail, Leyte, Philippines and was Killed In Action (KIA), May 15th, 1945. PFC Mancilla is buried/memorialized at Plot D, Row 10, Grave 187, Manila American Cemetery, Manila Philippines (An American Battle Monument Commission location.)
PFC Mancilla’s Awards and Decorations are: The Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 1 Bronze Star, WWII Victory Medal, Combat Infantry Badge 1st Award, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, Army Overseas Service Bar, Army Professional Infantry Cross Bar, Ocean Crossing - Pacific, Philippine Liberation Medal.
PFC Mancilla was born August 7th, 1920, in Los Angeles, Ca., where he enlisted into the Army during WWII. He was married on Christmas Day, December 25, 1941 in Yuma, AZ, and left for war on June 8th, 1944 at the age of 23. At the time of his enlistment he left his pregnant wife and 2 year old son. He left behind his wife, Armida, son Antonio, and daughter Yolanda. Grandchildren Antoinette, Annette, Amalia, and Armida.
PFC Mancilla was a gentle man, very kind and considerate and worked as a chef in a fancy restaurant where he would cut tomatoes like a rose and folded napkins like a work of art. He was very talented in art/drawing, but was never able to fulfill his talent.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, this is a Flag Line Only (FLO), however, the family has requested the PGR ride in together to the shelter. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
NOTE: COVID-19 restrictions apply, masks/face coverings required/6 ft distancing required.Time Table for Wednesday, 19 May, 2021:0830 - Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA., 92504: at the Upper Amphitheater. (Please remain as quiet as possible when arriving, there will be the VWF ceremony being conducted at the Lower Amphitheater during your arrival.)
https://goo.gl/maps/GLndUAGuEFj9YB4b60845 - Mission briefing
0855 - KSU to assigned shelter
1000 - Arrival at assigned shelter for Flag Line, Military Honors, and Services
R/C Stephen Zeeb, AKA Opie, MSgt., USAF (Ret)
SoCal PGR Ride Captainxyzeeb@gmail.com
951-587-7560
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.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit when driving at RNC. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
