The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced today that U.S. Army CWO Charles G. Benthien, 46, killed during World War II, was accounted for Feb. 25, 2025. The United States Army and family of this WWII Hero have requested the Patriot Guard Riders accompany their hero from the mortuary to his final resting place.
In April 1942, Benthien was assigned to the Headquarters, Philippine Department on the Bataan Peninsula, in the Philippines. He was held as a prisoner of war by the Empire of Japan in the Philippines until 1944 when the Japanese military moved POWs to Manila for transport to Japan aboard the transport ship Oryoku Maru. Unaware the allied POWs were on board, a U.S. carrier-borne aircraft attacked the Oryoku Maru, which eventually sank in Subic Bay. Benthien was then transported to Takao, Formosa, known today as Taiwan, aboard the Enoura Maru. On Jan. 9, 1945, the Japanese reported that Benthien was killed when U.S. forces attacked and sank the Enoura Maru.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this World War II 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, approximately 18 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate.
TIMETABLE FOR MONDAY, 09 JUNE 20251245: Stage at Greenwood Memorial Park and Mortuary, 4300 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JuBswfwPW3oHNDYu81315: Mission briefing.
1345: KSU to Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, 1700 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bDdGhcCAWCNyutB861430: KSU to committal for flag line and military honors.
Ted “Mr. T” Tomaszewicz
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
tednavyPGR@gmail.com
(201) 970-5546You 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 Ride Captain (RC). 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.
