The family of CPO Robert A. Brown, Jr., 94, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he and his wife make their final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Robert served in the US Navy from 10 June 1943, and was honorably discharged on 21 August 1967.
Robert enlisted at 16.5 years old and served on an assortment of ships. He was a qualified gunners mate during boot camp, but was relegated as a gunners mate striker as a reservist. He clipped ammo and broke down and cleaned and reassembled all guns up to 40MM on CVE-77 Marcus Island and serviced 5" guns as well. Through ship's service (CVE-77 Marcus Island), he was awarded 4 battle stars. CVE-77 was in Seeadler Harbor when the ammunition ship USS Mt. Hood exploded due to unknown causes. Robert told his son he was traveling between decks when the explosion happened and the concussion knocked him back through a hatch. He claims to have heard a radio message from Tokyo Rose about the "loss and major explosion" shortly afterwards. Robert served during WWII (Battle of Leyte Gulf, Battle of Samar (Taffy 2), and the following Campaigns: Luzon Attack Force, Okinawa and Ryukyu Island, and Palau. He partcipated in Operation Magic Carpet during WWII, which repatriated returning US servicemen home from Europe. He also served during the Korean War and the Vietnam Conflict. Robert earned 5 Good Conduct awards, National Defense Service Medal, (2) Korean Service Medal, UN Service Medal and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Vietnam).
Robert was born into a poor coal mining family and was the oldest of 4 brothers and one sister. Before his USN service, he worked on a ranch and helped his father to mine coal. He worked in the Kaiser shipyard in the northwest and helped build escort aircraft carriers. Robert went on to work in civil service as budget analyst and bookkeeper, and later worked at MCRD San Diego in the armory and clothing. Into retirement, he worked as a security guard/nightwatchman. He was a big socializer and moonlighted as a bartender that he enjoyed immensely. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating (skiing as well), camping and would do some leatherwork (purses, holsters etc). He enjoyed road trips with his family and gave them opportunities to visit Yosemite, Yellowstone, Carlsbad Caverns, Lake Powell, Bryce and many more.
He is survived by 2 children, Robert III and Lora, 1 grandchild, and 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceeded in death by his wife, Teruko Brown, who will be interred with him during the services.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Monday 1 November 2021:1130 – Stage at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/EwM2EeqthmEV25QC71145 - Mission Briefing
1200 - Flag line for transfer of the Hero and his wife's cremains to horse drawn carriage
1230 – Flag Line, Service and Military Honors
R/C Stacey McCarthy “Lil Bit”
So Cal PGR Ride Captain(619)277-5176
smoerschell@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 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.
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. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
