Andy Simkovitch U.S.N. / 14 October 2020 / Girard, PA
10 Oct 20 |
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Andy Simkovitch
U.S. Navy
WWII Veteran
14 October 2020
Girard, PA
The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited by the family of Andy Simkovitch, U.S. Navy, to stand in silent honor for his service then escort for the interment.
Andy enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 in 1943. He deployed to the European Theater, aboard the LST 501. He left Portsmouth, England with his shipmates on 5 of June 1944 and landed at Utah Beach on 6 of June 1944. Andy and his shipmates made six trips inland to Utah Beach and three to Omaha Beach under fire until the beachheads were secured.
Andy was also a Signalman for the LCPV which carried 36 soldiers each and had four U.S. Navy crewman. It was here on this craft, under enemy fire,that he retrieved American and German wounded from the beaches to be evacuated.
Following the success of the Normandy Invasion, Andy was called to duty once again, this time in the South Pacific. Here he participated in much of the same combat actions as Operation Overlord in Normandy, this time assisting the U.S Marine Corps in the invasion of Okinawa.
Andy was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal W/ 1 Bronze Star, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal W/ 2 Bronze Stars, the D- Day WWII Medal , the U.S. Navy Combat Service Medal and recently from the Governor of Normandy, the Medal of the Jubilee of Liberty, and the Chevalier Legion of Honor Medal for D- Day, Southern France.
Andy honorably discharged, with the rank of Seaman First Class March of 1946.
Following time served, Andy became a member of American Legion Post #494 in Girard and the Edinboro-McKean Veterans of Foreign War Post #740.
Andy recently quoted, “I am proud of my service, I am proud to have been there.”
Andy served our country and his community with honor, it’s now our turn to honor him.
Wednesday, 14 October 2020
Staging: 9:00 AM
Edder Funeral Home Inc.
309 E Main, Girard, PA 16417
https://maps.app.goo.gl/x3adEPPcSD49Pnre6
Briefing: 9:15 AM
Following the Briefing, Flag Line set
Family arriving
Prayer service at 9:30am
Following the service KSU, escorting to:
Sts Cyril & Methodius Church
1022 Tilden Dr, Girard, PA 16417
https://goo.gl/maps/4qXvfX9eHvACZzS5A
Mass at 10:00am
Following the mass KSU, escorting for interment
St. John Cemetery
Church Street, Girard, PA16417
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.
Please be aware & alert of your surroundings. Also, before heading out please watch the weather, dress accordingly, grab your masks and bring your 3 X 5 handheld American flags.
RCIC: Tom Hanna
CBTBruce@aol.com
(814) 572-2951
Assisting: Dale Mallory
tazmall@hotmail.com
(724) 992-9186
