Taking Our Brother Home
May 10, 2008
Eagles!
Chris Hill, our National Director, has been coordinating this from the git-go, and I asked him to write up a synopsis of the mission and how it has developed. It is a fine example of what Eagles do, and I want to say, “Well done!” to Chris for his initiative and personal involvement in this event.
It was due solely to Chris’ persistence that the Maryland Transit Authority waived the tolls for the procession and for which GOE thanks the MTA. Again, good work, Chris.
Any Eagles and friends who desire to attend the interment are encouraged to do so.
Larry Bailey
Taking Our Brother Home
On November 20, 1968 , Cpl. Michael Crescenz, 196th LIB , US Army undertook the actions that would see him awarded the Medal of Honor. In a Cliff’s Notes version, with his unit pinned down under withering machine gun fire he charged four machine gun emplacements and silenced all but one, before being mortally wounded. He is the only native of Philadelphia to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Vietnam , and on Monday 12 May, 2008 we will be taking him home to Arlington . He will finally rest where he belongs, among our nation’s heroes.
On 2 May Michael was exhumed from the family plot in suburban Philadelphia . He was buried there in 1968, to be close to his parents. Several years ago, his brothers, one of whom is also a Vietnam veteran, decided to get him home to Arlington . Two months ago Arlington agreed to accept Michael and his brother Joe reached out to me through a mutual friend. He asked if, in my capacity as National Director, I could help with the logistics of moving Michael. Obviously, being involved in any action which concerns a Medal of Honor recipient is an honor that I seldom feel I deserve, but I understandably leapt at the chance to be a part of this mission.
After much hard work by a number of people, the details for the movement have been finalized. As is only fitting, the Viet Nam Vets MC will be riding point to take one of their own home. With PA State Trooper escort, we will depart Downingtown, PA at 0800 12 May, traverse Pennsylvania, be collected by the MD State Troopers at Rte 272, head down I-95 across Maryland, be met by DC Metro’s Special Operations Division and, traffic permitting, pass by The Vietnam Wall before crossing the bridge into Virginia. The Old Guard will then take over the security of Michael, and, with full military honors, commit him to the hallowed earth of Arlington at 1300hrs.
We will have between 100 and 150 motorcycles, and at least a dozen vehicles filled with people who want nothing more than to honor a true American hero. We will provide quite a sight as we roar down the highways with flags flying and flashers flashing. Special thanks to Viet Nam Vets MC, Second Brigade MC, Leathernecks MC, PA, MD, NJ and VA Patriot Guard Riders, the Maryland Chapter of the ‘Nam Knights MC and the literally dozens of individuals who have signed on to be part of this mission. The Maryland Transit Authority has waived the tolls and Philadelphia media will accompany us. It has been my honor to organize this mission and I want to extend my special thanks to every person involved. Thank you, my brothers and sisters, for helping me to honor a very good man. This has always been about Cpl. Michael Crescenz. So, to him, I say farewell, brother. We will see you safely home. Manchu
Chris Hill.
(Read Cpl Crescenz’s MOH Citation here)
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Welcome home Cpl. Crescenz. Welcome home.
It is so fitting that His Brothers bring Him home.
Welcome Home Cpl. Crescenz.
God Bless The Band of Brothers and Thank You, Every Blessed One of You.
About 300+ attended the service for Cpl. Crescenz. The rain and wind was horrific though the morning and service. A couple of the Patriot Guard riders went down on their bikes but were uninjured. They deserve a hoorah for their effort. I waited with Patriot Guards outside the Arlington gates for the caravan. The service went very well. Two bagpipers played Amazing Grace. The rain changed a couple of notes. I met Rick Davis of the Chester County Victory Movement and he will blog re: the service at http://www.americansheepdogs.com. It was great being there along with so many patriots. May God Bless Cpl Crescenz and family.
I was asked to make a minor correction to Ron’s post. It was a couple of the Leatherneck MC guys that went down, not PGR. No injuries, thank God. Full report later today.