ULTRA SHORT NOTICE HONOR MISSION
Sgt Robert "Bob" Lawrence Bearden, 95, US Army, WWII Veteran, POW, Bronze Star and Purple Heart Recipient, Killeen, TX
The family of Sergeant "Bob" Bearden has requested the presence and participation of the Patriot Guard Riders at the Funeral Service of their Loved One.
In July 1940, Bob joined F Company, 144th Infantry, 36th Infantry Division, Texas National Guard, and was called into federal service in November of that year. He left Adamson for Camp Bowie, TX, thus ending his high school career prior to graduation. He joined the US Army paratroops in Sept. 1942, and after completing jump school at Fort Benning, GA, he was assigned to H Company, 507th Parachute Infantry. Bob parachuted into Normandy, France as part of the D-Day invasion, June 6th, 1944. He was wounded twice and captured with his Regimental Commander on D +4. He spent the next 8 months as a POW, spending time as a 'guest' of the German army until he was liberated by Allied forces from Stalag III-C (east of Berlin) on Jan. 31, 1945. In 2010, over 65 years later, Bob was honored in a ceremony hosted by Major General William Grimsley at III Corps Headquarters, Ft. Hood, Texas, commending Bob with 13 medals in recognition of his military service, including his bronze star, purple heart, and well-earned Combat Infantry Badge. Details of his military experiences are recorded in his book, "To D-Day and Back," published in 2007. Bob and his sons opened Yamaha of Killeen, Inc; presently known as Texas Motor Sports, a franchised motorcycle dealership now in its 45th year of operation. Bob's full obituary may be found here: http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Robert-Bearden&lc=1795&pid=186428855&mid=7529781
Date: Wed, 23 Aug 17
Staging Time: 1205
Staging Location: The cul-de-sac between the Walk of Heroes and the Memorial Shelter at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 SH 195, Killeen, TX 76542 (http://tinyurl.com/CenTexVetsCeme)
Setup & Briefing: Upon clearance and at the direction of the Ride Captain, we will move to the shelter, set up the flags, be briefed and await arrival of the procession.
WX: Mostly sunny with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning...then partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 90s. West winds around 5 mph shifting to the northeast in the afternoon. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Notes:
1. Be at staging ON TIME.
2. Hydrate well prior, bring water for yourself and a buddy and dress with consideration of the weather conditions.
Please join us in honoring this US Army, WWII Veteran, POW, Bronze Star and Purple Heart Recipient for his selfless service to our Great Nation.
