Patriot Guard Riders

Ralph Rowe was born in South Dakota on the 16 November of 1928. At a very young age his family moved to Des Moines, Iowa. Growing up in Iowa Ralph worked at a bakery before deciding to join the United States Marine Corps. His choice to enlist came before the age of 18 and required his Mother to sign for him to go and defend this great nation. His service time spanned 1944 to 1952. SGT Rowe was part of the Frozen Chosin and during his military career received the Bronze Star.

After his discharge from the USMC, SGT Rowe returned to Des Moines, Iowa to continue his work at the bakery. SGT Rowe then was transferred to Corning, Iowa where he met the love of his life and best friend forever Mary Jo. They married on 9 August 1952. From this union two daughters were born. The family then moved back to the Des Moines area. In 1986 a daughter moved to Tucson, Arizona and one year later SGT Rowe and his wife followed.

A little about the Frozen Chosin…

In November of 1950, eight thousand fighters, most of them Marines, struggled to survive the coldest winter in 100 years in North Korea. Surrounded by 120,000 Chinese Soldiers, their only lifeline was a 15 foot wide steep mountain road they called the M.S.R. (Main Supply Route) that led to the port city of Hungnam. From Yudam-ni in the northwest corner of the Chanjin Reservoir, the MSR was a dangerous 78 mile journey to the sea of Japan. This trip was made even difficult because of the massive enemy force surrounding it. The withdrawal known as the longest in American military history, would take 13 days and the cost was many lives. Those who didn’t understand what was happening called it a “retreat”, while one American General said simply, “we’re attacking in a different direction.”

It is the adversity that demands valor, trial that demonstrates the highest level of brotherhood. The Marines and the Chanjin Reservoir, identified on Japanese maps as the CHOSIN Reservoir, pulled together to insure the success of the withdrawal. What many people might have considered to be the darkest two weeks in Marine Corps history, is considered to be the Marine Corps defining moment. With their backs to the wall, the men of the 1st Marine Division pulled together to accomplish the impossible. It was that teamwork that cemented a band of brothers who came to call themselves “The Frozen Chosin”.

SGT Roe was known to his family and friends as a quiet, caring, giving, loving family man who
would enjoy going to the casino with his wife after retirement.

SGT Roe passed on 30 June 2016 at the age of 87. He is preceded in death by his wife Mary Jo. He leaves behind 2 daughters, 2 grand children and 3 great grand children along with many other family members and friends.

The family of SGT Rowe has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to stand a flag line and it will be our honor.

Please come with flags mounted on your motorcycles if possible.

DATE: 9 August 2016

STAGING: Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery
15950 North Luckett Road
Marana, AZ 85653

TIME: 9:00 AM

BRIEFING: 9:1 5AM

RIDE CAPTAIN: Benny, [URL=”tel:520-444-3023″]520-444-3023[/URL]

***PLEASE REMEMBER WE ARE IN THE HEAT OF SUMMER TO HYDRATE THE DAY BEFORE AS WELL AS THE DAY OF THE MISSION WITH WATER OR GATORADE***