The family of William Johnson has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Bill served proudly and with honor in the US Navy during WWII. After high school, Bill enlisted in the Navy serving as a Sonar Man Second Class on the USS England Destroyer Escort during World War II. The USS England achieved a historic accomplishment in the South Pacific, sinking six enemy submarines in just 12 days. This is a record that stands to this day. Bill survived a harrowing kamikaze attach, when an enemy aircraft carrying a 500 lb bomb struck the nerve center of the ship, killing 37 of the crew. The unparalleled and anti-submarine warfare performance earned the USS England and it crew a prestigious Presidential Unit Citation. Bill was decorated with several medals, including the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and a good Conduct Medal.
Returning to civilian life, Bill joined the Los Angles Police Department where he served at Parker Center as Detective Sergeant in the Specialized Major Crime Bureau for 31 years. Bill and Narisse raised their three children in Burbank, California, building a life filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures.
Bill had a passion for poker, remaining competitive even in his late 90s. His fondness for cars led him to own and modify several, including a 1939 Ford 5-window coupe, a 1955 Ford T-Bird and a 1967 Porsche 911.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Narisse Johnson, their children Janelle Butler (Jeff), Nancee Baldino (Frank), William “Chip” Johnson III, (Lisa), six grandchildren and elevenGreat-grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting facilitates your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying our hero and his family from the family home to his final resting place. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Monday 01 April 20241230 – Stage at Walmart Supercenter, 1550 Leucadia Blvd, Encinitas, CA92024
https://maps.app.goo.gl/c55NRoNS8DbjuvZg61245 – Mission briefing
1300 – KSU to family residence.
1310 - Flag line for honorable transfer to vehicle
1315 – KSU for accompaniment to Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr. San Diego, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/EtXYQi32JB442xf991430– Arrive at MNC and flag line for honorable transfer to Final Honors Carriage
1500 – Flag Line for Final Honors and Funeral Service
R/C Lorenzo Lizarraga
SoCal PGR Regional Captain619-971-2236
llizarraga@yahoo.com
We encourage those who do not ride to participate in your car. If this is your first mission, go to the initial staging area, where you will be briefed 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.
Remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent 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. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we honor.
