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Honor Mission
Maj. Elmer E. Pankratz
US Army Air Corps - WW II
US Air Force Reserve (Ret.)
Multi-City, NY - 03/21-22/2025
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 1, Region 2
About the Mission:
The family of Major Elmer E. “Pank” Pankratz, USAFR (Retired), has asked Patriot Guard Riders to participate in honoring his military service and celebrating his life. Major Pankratz passed 14 March 2025 at the age of 102.
Mr. Pankratz served one year and eleven months active service in World War II. Of that time, he served 11 months in Europe and attained the rank of First Lieutenant with the MOS: 1061 - Tactical Reconnaissance Pilot. For his service, then Lieutenant Pankratz earned: Air Medal w/ 1 Silver & 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster (7 awards), European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Medal w/ 3 Campaign Stars (Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, Central Europe), World War II Victory Medal, and the Honorable Discharge lapel pin (Ruptured Duck). Mr. Pankratz was honorably discharged from active duty 15 November 1945. Following his service in WW II, Mr. Pankratz enlisted with the Air Force Reserve. While we have no detail on his service there, he was retired at the rank of Major.
Click here to read Major Pankratz' full obituary
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
03/21/2025 at 05:45pm
Staging Location:
Jennings Nulton & Mattle Funeral Home Inc
1704 Penfield Rd
Penfield, NY 14526
Click here for map
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
bruce forsyth
201-602-0938
Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:
Updated 15, May 2024
The CDC has changed its COVID-19 protocol recommendations for 2024, updating them to reflect the changing severity and transmission of the virus. Please click here for the latest information and continue to practice common sense distancing protocols while in enclosed locations.
Special Information:
PGR Members will form a flag line at 6:00pm for the final hour of calling hours. Shortly before the end of calling hours, members will perform a salute as a group in the funeral home.
Please be prepared with a clean 3'x5' American or US Air Force Flag. Dress for the weather as we will stand the flag line outside. Thank you for devoting your time to help honor the US Air Force, World War II service of Elmer Pankratz, and to support his loving family.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
yes
Second Staging Date and Staging Time:
03/22/2025 at 09:00am
Second Location:
Faith Lutheran Church
2576 Browncroft Blvd.
Rochester, New York
Click here for map
Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
bruce forsyth
201-602-0938
Second Stage - Special Information:
PGR Members will form a flag line at 9:15 am in anticipation of the family arriving at the church. We will hold the flag line until services begin, expected at 10:00am. Following services, PGR Members will perform a dignified transfer and then escort the cortege to the cemetery. The cemetery is:
Oakwood Cemetery
1975 Baird Rd
Penfield, NY 14526
Click here for map
If you are unable to join the mission at the church, please join us at the cemetery. Arriving there by 11:00 am should provide enough time for you to establish a flag line for the arrival of the cortege.
At the cemetery, PGR Members will participate in the services which are scheduled to begin at 11:30am. Military honors will occur at the cemetery.
Please be prepared with a clean 3'x5' American or US Air Force flag. Ensure that your vehicle flags are firmly attached for the short escort. Dress for the weather. Thank you for devoting your time to help honor the US Air Force and US Air Force Reserve service of Major Elmer Pankratz, and to support his loving family.
Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?
no
Submitted by:
bruce forsyth
rs 03/18; MER
