Patriot Guard Riders

Please note that due to ongoing OPSEC concerns, mission details are not shown in this posting. All specific details and updates have been sent to members directly via their e-mail address on file.

Members:

The family of John P. Nowhitney has requested the participation of the Patriot Guard Riders in his military honors funeral.

WHEN / WHERE:
Monday, June 27th
Saratoga National Cemetery
Schuylerville, NY

LRC – TBD

ABOUT THE MISSION:
John P. Nowhitney answered his country’s call to service during World War II. He enlisted in the US Navy in November, 1942. He proudly served as an Aviation Ordinance Man Third Class aboard the USS Belleawood (CVL-24) until his honorable discharge on February 2, 1946. John served with unwavering courage alongside his fellow shipmates in the Pacific Theater Operations; the last occupation of Guam, the occupation of the southern Palaus, the Philippine Island raids, Morotai landings, Okinawa raid, northern Luzon and Formosa raids, Luzon strikes and the Battle of Cape Engano. On October 30th, 1944 while the Belleauwood was patrolling with her task group, east of Leyte, she shot down a Japanese suicide plane which fell on her flight deck aft causing fires which set off ammunition. Before the holocaust could be brought under control 92 men were killed or missing. A memory which haunted John until his death. John was awarded a number of military honors for his service and heroism including the World War II Victory Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with one Silver Star and four bronze stars, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, Combat Action Ribbon and Philippine Liberation Medal with two stars. Much later in life, John finally embraced the fact that he was a true hero in saving many lives that day, including his own. John was inducted into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame by Senator James Seward on June 14, 2011 for his service in combat, an honor he treasured throughout the remaining years of his life.

John returned home to marry and raise a family. He became a corrections officer for the State of New York at Greenhaven prison. He later left that position to open a tavern – “John’s Place” in Ballston Spa and John’s All Season’s Steak House in Schroon Lake.

The Patriot Guard Riders will be privileged to be there to render Honor, Dignity and Respect for the life and service of John Patrick Nowhitney.

—
Bill Schaaf
billschaaf@aol.com
[URL=”tel:518-542-0608″]518-542-0608[/URL]