Updated  29 APR 08 1800 Cst by Sandra

Final Mission Plan:

CPL Michael Crescenz, Congressional Medal of Honor, KIA Viet Nam, Veteran, Hero - is to be laid to rest in the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery (ANC), with services scheduled for 12 May, 2008 at approximately 1300 hours from the Administration Building.

In the early hours of that morning, a solemn procession will leave the Philadelphia area, traverse PA, DE, MD, and DC and will enter ANC for Michael's final services.

PGR will await the procession at the head of Memorial Drive at ANC, and will follow the funeral party to the gravesite for final Honors at those services.

05/12/08 Mission Plan:

Stage:          1030 hours      Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial)
Brief:          1040 hours
Depart:         1050 hours      Iwo to head of Memorial Drive - await main funeral procession
Arrive:         1100 hours       (Main procession to arrive between 1115 and 1130 hours)
Honors: 1300 hours      Graveside - Approx. time.

Ride Captain:  Ride Captain:  Jim Furr (540) 454-0629 cell

Current plan is for a "gate meet" where the ANC assigned "host" will meet the procession at the head of Memorial Drive and lead it to the appropriate location in ANC, while the family and the Hero's remains are directed to the Administration Building, and then to the caisson meet point in the cemetery.

At this time, we do not know whether the funeral party will be lead directly to the grave site - or to the meet point with the caisson.  Directions will be given by the "host" at the gate meet.

Large mounted flags desired for transit from stage to ANC (furl upon parking at ANC).
Large hand-held flags not used within ANC.
No military mandated ID / equipment required for this mission.

For added PGR ANC Information:  PGR-ANC Information / Maps / Etc  and Special ANC Considerations: Flags, etc

Remember, we are there to stand tall, proud and silent in honor of this Hero, his brave deeds above and beyond the call of duty, and his family.  If you cannot join us, please pause for a silent moment of reflection at the appointed hour.

Ride Safe, Ride Together . . . Let's Roll! . . . Freedom is NOT Free!!
Riding for Brad Winchester, Vet, PGR Sr Ride Captain 
 
Dave
 
David "SilverBack" Slone
Patriot Guard Riders - Ride Captain, Sr. Ride Captain Arlington National Cemetery
www.patriotguard.org
Cell: 301-758-5608  Home: (434) 990-1799 
david.slone@pobox.com 163 Hickory Lane, Barboursville, VA 22923

_______________________________________________________________________________________
Updated 01 May 08 0906 Cst by Sandra

 

CPL Michael Crescenz, Congressional Medal of Honor, KIA Viet Nam, Veteran, Hero - is being moved from his initial resting place in Philadelphia to join his comrades-in-arms in the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery (ANC), with services scheduled for 12 May, 2008 at approximately 1300 hours from the Administration Building.

In the early hours of that morning, a solemn procession will leave the Philadelphia area, traverse PA, DE, MD, and DC and will enter ANC for Michael's final services.

PGR is honored to stand tall , silent and proud for this Hero! 

Detailed mission planning is underway and the plan will be posted here shortly.

Ride Safe, Ride Together . . . Let's Roll! . . . Freedom is NOT Free!!
Riding for Brad Winchester, Vet, PGR Sr Ride Captain
 
Dave
 
David "SilverBack" Slone
Patriot Guard Riders - Ride Captain, Sr. Ride Captain Arlington National Cemetery
www.patriotguard.org
Cell: 301-758-5608  Home: (434) 990-1799 
david.slone@pobox.com 163 Hickory Lane, Barboursville, VA 22923

=========================================================
Cpl. Michael Crescenz,

Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient (Vietnam)
 

We will meet up at Cedarbrook Plaza and travel to the Cemetery as a group.

"The Family has respectfully asked that I make the following known to all who are present. There will be NO PHOTOGRAPHs or VIDEOs by ANYONE inside the Cemetery or at the arrival at the Funeral Home. They have made arrangements for Professionals to document the proceedings and that will be supplemented by the News stations who will be present. Their Request Will be Honored"

Date 2 May 2008
 
Time: 1230 hours

Where: Cedarbrook Plaza, behind Hollywood Video, at the corner of Easton Rd. and W. Cheltenham Ave. Cheltenham, PA 19012

After a ride breifing at 1245 we will mount up and meet up with The Philadelphia Highway Patrol Wheels at 1300 in Holy Sepulchere Cemetery.

Please bring 3x5 Flags. Our Flag line will be set at the grave site.

There will be a brief Service graveside which will start at 1400 hours.

After Michael's coffin is placed in the hearse we will ride in the escort from the Cemetery to the James J. Terry Funeral Home 736 East Lancaster Avenue ,  Downingtown, PA 19335.

The Escort will follow Easton Road to RT 309 to the PA Turnpike to Rt 100 to RT 113 To Buss RT 30. We will be led by The Philadelphia Highway Patrol and The Pennsylvania State Police. Local Law Enforcement have been contacted to assist along the route. Max speed 45 mph.

Toll Forgiveness on the PA Turnpike has been worked out. We will be using a designated lane for entry to the PA Turnpike at Ft. Washington. Speed thru toll plaza is 5 MPG and single file. That they ask of us in the safety of their people who are working at the tolls. We will also use a designated lane when we exit. If you use a different lane you will be ticketed. If you have a breakdown on the turnpike be sure to
get in touch with me. You will have to pay the toll for the entire Turnpike but we can get it back for you.

Rally Points:

Ride Captain Huggy is setting up a Rally Point at the Cracker Barrel, 3611 Horizon Blvd, Trevose PA 19053-4913. Kickstands Up at 1130.

I'll be setting up a Rally Point at Macy's parking lot Roosevelt Blvd. and Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19149 (2399 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19149). Kickstands Up at 1130.
Frank

PGR SRC SE PA Region 6
______________________________________________________________________________

The Patriot Guard has been requested, by the Family, to be present and give Honor and Respect at the Exhumation of Cpl. Michael Crescenz, Recipient of The Congressional Medal of Honor, from his grave at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Cheltenham on Friday 2 May 2008 at 1400 hours and provide an escort to the Terry Funeral Home in Downingtown, Pa.
 
The Exhumation is the beginning of his reburial at Arlington National Cemetery.
The route is being worked out by The Philadelphia Highway Patrol who will lead the escort.
 
When: 1400 Hours 2 May 2008

Where: Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 4001 West Cheltenham Avenue, Philadelphia, PA

Michael will be reinterred at Arlington National Cemetery 12 May 2008 which will be listed as a separate Mission.  

CMOH Citation
 
CRESCENZ, MICHAEL J.

Rank and Organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company A, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. Place and date: Hiep Duc Valley area, Republic of Vietnam, 20 November 1968. Entered service at: Philadelphia, PA. Born: 14 January 1949, Philadelphia, Pa. Citation: Cpl. Crescenz distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a rifleman with Company A. In the morning his unit engaged a large, well-entrenched force of the North Vietnamese Army whose initial burst of fire pinned down the lead squad and killed the 2 point men, halting the advance of Company A. Immediately, Cpl. Crescenz left the relative safety of his own position, seized a nearby machine gun and, with complete disregard for his safety, charged 100 meters up a slope toward the enemy's bunkers which he effectively silenced, killing the 2 occupants of each. Undaunted by the withering machine gun fire around him, Cpl. Crescenz courageously moved forward toward a third bunker which he also succeeded in silencing, killing 2 more of the enemy and momentarily clearing the route of advance for his comrades. Suddenly, intense machine gun fire erupted from an unseen, camouflaged bunker. Realizing the danger to his fellow soldiers, Cpl. Crescenz disregarded the barrage of hostile fire directed at him and daringly advanced toward the position. Assaulting with his machine gun, Cpl. Crescenz was within 5 meters of the bunker when he was mortally wounded by the fire from the enemy machine gun. As a direct result of his heroic actions, his company was able to maneuver freely with minimal danger and to complete its mission, defeating the enemy. Cpl. Crescenz's bravery and extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Reburial of an American Hero
(Reprinted with Permission of Northeast Times, Jon Campisi) By Jon Campisi Times Staff Writer The date was Nov. 20, 1968. The location, the Quang Nam region of South Vietnam. Philadelphia native Michael Crescenz was more than 8,000 miles from home. But he didn’t let that get to him. He was away from family and friends. Again, something he put in the back of his mind. Michael Crescenz was there to do a job. Unfortunately, on this date, that job cost the soldier his life. Crescenz, a Cardinal Dougherty High School graduate who was born and raised in West Oak Lane, was just shy of a two-month tour of duty with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War when he was killed by enemy fire. He was 19. Crescenz’s remains were shipped home, and he was laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Cheltenham at the request of his parents. But there still was a slight difference of opinion among his family about where he should be buried. His parents wanted him close to home; his brothers felt he should spend eternity next to his fallen countrymen. Now, after almost 40 years, his brothers’ wishes will soon be fulfilled. On May 2, Crescenz’s body will be exhumed from the Philadelphia cemetery, and 10 days later he will be reburied at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. "Me and my brothers felt he belongs with his comrades-in-arms," Crescenz’s brother, Joe Crescenz, said during a recent interview in Chester County, where he now makes his home. Michael Crescenz’s heroic efforts on Nov. 20, 1968, in addition to his distinguished military service, earned him a special honor. He is the only Philadelphian who served in Vietnam to have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Crescenz’s medal was bestowed posthumously, presented to his parents, Charles and Mary Ann, during a ceremony at the White House on April 7, 1970. Also in attendance were two of his five brothers, Charles, the oldest, and a fellow Vietnam veteran, and Peter, who served in the Marines from 1970 to 1972 but never fought in Vietnam. Peter actually was called out of Parris Island, S.C., where he was stationed, on orders of President Nixon so that he could attend the medal ceremony. Fast-forward almost 40 years and you have Joe Crescenz flipping through a homemade scrapbook that he guards with his life. At 51, Joe, the third-youngest brother, was just a kid when his brother Michael was killed in action, but he will never forget the mark that his sibling left on the world. The scrapbook is a testament to this, filled with an array of photos, newspaper clippings and hand-written letters that speak volumes of Michael, a mere teenager, who never made it to 20, and whose efforts on the battlefield enabled others in his unit to grow up, make lives for themselves and have families of their own. Charlie Becker, another Vietnam veteran and fellow Cardinal Dougherty graduate, grew up around the corner from Michael. Now 65, Becker still recalls how Michael didn’t think twice about being fired on; he had a disregard for his own safety to save others. And save others is just what he did, Becker said. According to a bio on the official Congressional Medal of Honor Web site, on the day he died, Cpl. Michael Crescenz, who served with Company A, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division of the U.S. Army, was with his unit when the men were attacked by a well-entrenched force of the North Vietnamese Army, whose gunfire had killed the two point men and stopped Company A’s advance. As soon as the unit was ambushed, Crescenz, a rifleman, grabbed a machine gun and charged about 300 feet up a slope toward two enemy bunkers, killing the two occupants of each. He then moved on to a third bunker, killing two more North Vietnamese soldiers. His actions enabled the rest of his unit to advance. It was then that gunfire erupted from a camouflaged bunker. Crescenz pressed on, returning fire. He was just feet from that bunker when he was fatally shot. "The fire was intense, and when Michael moved up to silence another bunker, he stepped in front of me and was killed with automatic fire." Those were the words of William Stafford of Long Island, N.Y. They were posted on The Wall-USA.com, a Web site dedicated to Vietnam casualties. Stafford wrote that he was the medic with Crescenz’s company. He said he has always lived with the fact that he’s probably alive today because of Crescenz’s actions.[b] There are many other examples of how Crescenz’s heroism touched fellow soldiers. In his scrapbook, Joe Crescenz has a letter dated 2002 from a man who identified himself as Joe Gravens of Ohio.. In the letter, Gravens speaks of how he will never forget Michael Crescenz. He also talks about how the soldiers were simply doing their duty, and viewed the war in apolitical terms. The soldiers were really there to protect their buddies, wrote Gravens, who died less than a year and a half ago. "He (Gravens) would have been loving this. I think it means a lot to these men," Joe Crescenz said of the expected reaction to his brother’s reburial at Arlington. Crescenz said the camaraderie among all members of the military is strong, but especially so for Vietnam veterans, since many were scorned and cursed by war protesters upon their return home. The idea for the reburial, Crescenz explained, arose about a year and a half ago, during a college graduation/going-away party for his daughter Melanie. It was something that just came to him, he joked, while partying a little too hard. Other family members liked the plan. Crescenz started by contacting Arlington National Cemetery, although he initially got no response. After having some difficulty with his inquiries, Crescenz contacted his congressman, U.S.. Rep. Joe Pitts, a Vietnam veteran himself. Pitts was able to get a response from cemetery administrators. Arlington representatives told Crescenz that as long as he had the proper paperwork and documentation regarding his brother’s service, they would approve his burial on the sacred grounds. Holy Sepulchre, on the other hand, was a different story. During his initial phone call to the cemetery, Crescenz said, he essentially was told by a secretary that his desire to move his brother’s body from the cemetery was akin to sacrilege. But he wasn’t deterred. "I said, ‘Ma’am, thank you, but I don’t need a lecture,’" Crescenz recalled. Eventually, he was able to convince the Archdiocese of Philadelphia that his intention was pure, and he received permission to have his brother’s body exhumed. Funeral home will help The exhumation will be conducted by the Terry Funeral Home in Downingtown, Pa. Crescenz had contacted Dennis Luminella, one of the partners in the business, who lost a good friend in Vietnam and was eager to help. Luminella was out of the country and could not be reached last week, but his partner, Jim Terry, said all is going according to plan, although there are still some unanswered questions. For one thing, Terry has to make sure the vault, or concrete container, that the casket is placed in is in good enough condition to be reused. If not, the casket, which is the same one that brought home Michael Crescenz’s body, may have to be placed in a new vault upon arrival at Arlington. As the big day draws near, Joe Crescenz said he is grateful to everyone who has been, and will be, involved in the process. That includes the various law-enforcement agencies across state lines that will assist with making the procession as smooth as possible, as well as the military veteran motorcycle groups expected to participate. "I can’t imagine the outpouring of support and camaraderie among these men," Crescenz said. •• Reporter Jon Campisi can be reached at 215-354-3038 or jcampisi@phillynews.com
 
Frank
 
Frank Tacey
PGR SRC SE PA Region 6