Honorable Escort Petty Officer Walter E Mintus USN KIA WWII / 9-10 November 2018 / Pittsburgh International Airport/ Portage, PA
05 Nov 18 |
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Honorable Escort
Petty Officer Walter E Mintus
US Navy
KIA WWII Veteran
9-10 November 2018
Pittsburgh International Airport/ Portage, PA
The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited by the family of Petty Officer Walter E Mintus US Navy To Welcome Home, Escort then Stand In Silent Honor for his Service & Interment with Military Honors.
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced 25 June 2018 that the remains of Petty Officer Walter E Mintus accounted-for from World War II.
Navy Aviation Radioman 3rd Class Walter E. Mintus age of 22 from Portage accounted for 25 June 2018. RM3 Mintus was aboard Torpedo Bomber with the Torpedo Squadron Fifty One (VT-51). RM3 Mintus Aircraft was the lead of four Avengers on a Mission targeting the Japanese Base at Malakal Harbor. The aircraft was last observed three to five miles ahead of the other aircraft, at the beginning of the attack. Witnesses observed an object, believed to be an aircraft, on fire in Malakal Harbor. All three servicemen on board, including Mintus, were reported Missing In Action and subsequently presumed dead on Feb. 4, 1946.
After combat operations in the area ceased, the American Graves Registration Service compared all unidentified remains recovered near Palau to the crew of the missing Avenger aircraft, with negative results. On May 21, 1949, Mintus was declared non-recoverable.
From January 2004 to 2016, a non-profit organization, the BentProp Project, conducted several investigations regarding the debris field of an unidentified aircraft, consistent with an Avenger, near Malakal Harbor.
In January and February 2018, a DPAA team excavated a suspected crash site in Malakal Harbor, Republic of Palau, recovering debris and life support equipment that were consistent with a crew member from the crash, as well as possible remains.
To identify Mintus’ remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and anthropological analysis, as well as material and circumstantial evidence.
Petty Officer Walter E Mintus is finally coming Home after 74 years. Walter served our country with Honor, now it time to Honor & Welcome him home.
This is a two day Mission with Alternate Staging Locations and Times. Members can attend all of a Mission or any part of the Mission. PGR sets no time for a Member to Escort and or Stand a Mission. We Thank you for whatever time you give us and the families of our Heroes appreciate your time.
Friday, 9 November 2018
For Those Coming From Altoona
Stage & KSU: 7:00 AM Sharp
Sheetz #354
1915 Pleasant Valley Blvd, Altoona, PA 16602
https://goo.gl/maps/X1HRYKWc9Kv
Short Break
Sheetz #498
610 US-22, Blairsville, PA 15717
https://goo.gl/maps/h17w27j3xds
For those wanting to join the group, ETA from Altoona To Blairsville, 8:15-8:30 AM
Short Break, Then KSU To:
Alternate Staging/Briefing: 10:00 AM
Sheetz #379
9002 University Blvd, Moon, PA 15108
https://goo.gl/maps/uaQeqhZ8tTF2
Details regarding the Mission will be discussed at the Briefing.
KSU To The Airport:10:15 AM
Welcome & Escort Walter Home
For those who will be traveling in Procession to Portage from the Airport, there will be a short break.
https://goo.gl/maps/sTwDqMGvvDH2
Saturday, 10 November 2018
Staging/Briefing: 8:30 AM
Sheetz #49
101 Main St, Portage, PA 15946
https://goo.gl/maps/sbsktoLmEPk
KSU:8:45 AM
Flag Line: Upon Arrival of the church
St Joseph’s Church
509 Caldwell Ave, Portage, PA 15946
https://goo.gl/maps/MAkbbrputAr
Visitation from 9:30-11AM
Service at 11:00 AM
Following The Service, KSU For Interment With Military Honors.
Sacred Heart Cemetery
Portage, PA 15946
Remember, NO WEAPONS are permitted at Pittsburgh International Airport.
Please Watch The Weather, Dress Accordingly, Hydrate
& Bring Your 3 X 5 Handheld Flags.
RCIC’S:
Lewis Winnecour
lwinne1@comcast.net
(412) 889-5629
Joe Turner
simplman@atlanticbb.net
(814) 937-5516
Larry Graper
lar80215@netscape.net
(814) 932-2423
