Welcome Home SSGT Carl M. Shaffer

As part of Memorial Day Weekend, today was filled with various activities geared to remembering those heroes who gave their lives for our freedom.  There were parades and ceremonies scattered about, and even more are scheduled through Monday.  

So, it certainly seemed appropriate that today was the day that the family had chosen for the reinterment of SSGT Carl M. Shaffer in Pottstown, PA.  And, Marty and I were honored to have been able to attend.

SSGT Shaffer was a member of the 38th Bomb Sq, 30th Bomb Group, stationed on Betio Island in Tarawa Atoll.  His bomber group was assigned to support the Marines who had seized the island during the battle in November 1943.  On Jan 21, 1944, Shaffer's plane departed from the airfield in Tarawa to participate in a bombing mission.  But the crew would never achieve their objective, as the plane crashed into the lagoon shortly after take off.  None of the crew survived. 

Their remains were buried in Cemetery #33 on the island of Betio, two being identified by the AGRS in 1946.  But Shaffer was not one of them.  He continued to lay undiscovered until 2017 when History Fight discovered a series of burials in Cemetery # 33 that had been missed by the AGRS. 

And today's ceremony was designed to honor this man who perished 75 years ago.

There were many people who came out today to participate in welcoming him home. And while people were meeting and greeting, this lone sentry stood guard outside the door of the hearse which held the remains of his fallen comrade.

This same young man had been responsible for driving to the airport for the  Dignified Transport of Shaffer just yesterday.

The Honor Guard stood in wait for the ceremony to begin.

And this group of veterans, driving in on their motorcycles, was also present to participate.

Finally, the moment arrived when the Honor Guard approached the hearse to remove the casket.

and they began the walk through those military personnel who had come specifically to honor Shaffer. 

finally resting him in front of the family in attendance.

When the flag was lifted,  one could note a shiny new dogtag attached to the handle. 

Words of appreciate of Shaffer's service were delivered to those in attendance.

A poem written by his wife, was read:

Looking from the open window I cast my eyes upwards

Towards the heavenly blue sky I seem to see the rays of the beautiful Oriental sunset on the golden wings of the pilot's plane

As it soars through the sky so quietly like a bird on its wings

So sure of its flight, but low it has gone beyond the blue horizon.

He has crossed the far and landed on the white coral reef f Tarawa, where he will remain and live long in our memory.

In the loving arms of our Savior who was our Hero.

Her words confirmed the belief that had been expressed by the minister just a few minutes earlier:  SSGT Carl M. Shaffer started his date in eternity 75 years ago; today involved the technicality of finally laying his body to rest on American soil. 

After the brief words were spoken the ceremony continued, first with a gun salute

then, the playing of taps by a bugler,

followed by the traditional folding of the flag.

The flag was then presented to the niece of SSgt Shaffer.

And the casket was lowered into the ground to await the seal bearing his name.

Today, yet another family can rest easy, knowing that their beloved uncle has returned home. 

So while you are celebrating Memorial Day weekend while enjoying those special family festivities that generally welcome summer, please remember to stop and remember the reason for celebrating Memorial Day.  It was the heroic actions of men such as these that helped to secure the freedom that this country holds so dear. 

Embrace that thought.  And be grateful to those who suffered the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.

May you have a special Memorial Day Weekend. 

The Reinterment of Pvt. Emil F. Ragucci

If you are a follower of Gallivanting Geismom, then you've been treated to some exciting adventures throughout the years.  But, on occasion, I make a diversion from my typical style, and offer something a bit different that is near and dear to my heart.

As mentioned in previous blogs, my passion for World War II MIA research led me to the organization, History Flight, who was instrumental in the disinterment of Marines from the Island of Tarawa.  When I realized that one of the recoveries had family waiting for his arrival just about an hour from where I live, I decided that I would make the drive to attend the funeral service as a representative of History Flight.

My experience in the past has been that families are thrilled to have a representative present, as they feel that they owe extreme gratitude to History Flight for bringing their loved one home.

Yesterday was no different in that respect, but I must admit that the aura in the room was more of celebration than of sadness.   It was obvious to me that this family was rejoicing at the return of their beloved brother and uncle Pvt. Emil f. Ragucci, who had served in the 2nd Marine Division.

The love for Emil was easily seen in the carefully preserved photos displayed behind glass.  From the sweet photo of Emil as a toddler, holding his parents' hands to the many family photos of fun times with the family, it was easy to see why his brothers had so many fond memories of him.  It appeared that this family had been waiting for this special day, and now it was here.

Emil was one of eleven children born to Nicola and Carmela Ragucci in Philadelphia, PA.  He had four brothers who also served in the war.  Dante, who served in the 79th division in Europe, earned a silver star for valor while Nicholas, who served with Co F, 141st infantry, 36th division, died in combat in Italy on Jan 31, 1944.  

On Dec. 23, 1943, the family had received notice that Emil had been killed in action on 20 Nov 1943.  His death had been documented by a fellow comrade, who stated that Emil had been shot and fell back into his arms.  He had no recourse but to lay him down on the ground.  In 1949, the family was told that Emil was Missing In Action and that he was considered to be unrecoverable. 

But,  here was the family, nearly seventy five years later, welcoming their beloved Emil home.

Two surviving brothers were in attendance, standing proudly among the throng of family and friends who had taken the time to pay tribute to this fallen Marine.

Behind the flag draped casket stood a crucifix in remembrance of the strong faith that this family continues to cherish.

Father Richard read from scripture and comforted those in attendance with the words that death  is not despair, but rather, it is victory.

The family could now treasure the fact that Emil would finally be laid to rest in the cemetery next to his parents and siblings.  

After a few prayers, we were told to head to our cars for the trip to the cemetery.   

So, of course, me being me, I followed the instructions as directed, only to soon realized that I was the ONLY one sitting in the car.  So, I decided to get back out, and walk to the back of the funeral home when I realized that the casket was going to be carried to the hearse and everyone was watching and waiting.  

But, there was one problem.  Between the cars and the crowd of people, I was unable to actually see anything.  That's when I noticed a pair of black metal steps, leading to a landing, right in front of me.   There were no signs saying that I couldn't go up the steps, so I did just that.   And guess what?  I had the perfect bird's eye view!

How lucky was that?

I was easily able to watch the pall bearers reverently carry the casket 

to the hearse that was waiting with open doors.

saluting when their task was complete.  

It was now time to return to the cars for the procession to the cemetery.  After driving along the highway for quite some time, we finally arrived at the Catholic Cemetery that holds the graves of Emil's loved ones.  

Upon arrival, these same marines began the task of carrying Pvt. Emil Ragucci to his final resting place.

Father led us in prayer as we all bowed our heads in reverence, 

thanking God that Emil was finally at home with his family.

In the distance, a Marine Honor guard waited for the flag to be raised from the casket.

firing 3 volleys from their rifles.

Immediately afterwards, a bugler played taps,

then the ceremonial flag folding began.

The flag was presented to Emil's eldest living brother, while the other stood next to him, steadying his hand upon his brother's shoulder.

"On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to Country and Corps."

It was truly a glorious day as one more family was able to rejoice at the return of their loved one.  And I am honored to have been able to attend.