Part 2 of 2 Parts
The family of PFC Don D. Dowler Jr., age 18, and the US Army have invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend the funeral services of our Hero. It will be our honor to do so.
PFC Don Dowler was serving with the US Army at the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea when he was killed by the enemy and presumed dead, this was more than 71 years ago, he is finally coming home to his family to be buried.
Army Pfc. Don D. Dowler, Jr., 18, of Clarinda, Iowa, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for Sept. 23, 2021.
Dowler was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
In late 1950, Dowler was a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950, after his unit was attacked by enemy forces as they attempted to withdraw near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.
On July 27, 2018, following the summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un in June 2018, North Korea turned over 55 boxes, purported to contain the remains of American service members killed during the Korean War. The remains arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii on Aug. 1, 2018, and were subsequently accessioned into the DPAA laboratory for identification.
PFC Dowler is survived by family members and friends that are grateful he has been recovered and will be coming home. We mourn with the family and this Hero will never be forgotten.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the Hero and his family from the mortuary to the cemetery, a distance of approx 1/2 mile. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. If you prefer to meet us at the mortuary we will see you there.
NOTE: People that would like to attend in their Vehicles please park at the Cemetery Form Flag line as we come in. Please bring your Flag and water they may not be provided.
NOTE: PLEASE BE AWARE OF COVID PRECAUTIONS, HAVE MASK AVAILABLE IF NEEDEDTime Table for Wednesday, 23 FEB 22:1200 - Staging at Magner-Mahoney Funeral Home, 600 E. Stowell Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454
https://goo.gl/maps/Jnn6LjKbPJmgP5sy71215 - Mission briefing
1230 - Flag Line for dignified transfer of Hero to coach
1240 - KSU to Santa Maria Cemetery, 1501 S. College Dr., Santa Maria, CA 93454
https://goo.gl/maps/B7VDUCE3Cj5Vv3Je9 (old section of cemetery)
1250 - Est arrival at cemetery
1300 - Flag Line, Service and Military Honors
RC Don Mickey
PGR South-Central Californiaabertengland1022@Gmail
801-367-7260
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.
