PGRNY Completed Missions

Memorial Mission

PFC Garfield Langhorn Memorial Essay

US Army - Vietnam
Medal of Honor Recipient

Riverhead, NY - 10/14/2022

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 8, Region 9

About the Mission:

Born on September 10, 1948, in Cumberland, Virginia, Langhorn was living in Brooklyn, New York, when he joined the U.S. Army. He served in Vietnam as a private first class and radio operator with Troop C, 7th Squadron (Airmobile), 17th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade. On January 15, 1969, Langhorn's unit attempted to rescue the crew of a downed American helicopter near Plei Djereng in Pleiku Province, South Vietnam. After finding the crash site and the bodies of the dead crewmen, the unit turned back, only to be attacked by entrenched North Vietnamese forces. During the battle, Langhorn threw himself on an enemy hand grenade that had been thrown near several wounded soldiers. He was killed in the ensuing explosion, but succeeded in protecting the lives of his fellow soldiers. Langhorn, aged 20 years at his death, was buried at Riverhead Cemetery in Riverhead, New York.  He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for this incredible act of heroism. He is the only recipient of the Medal of Honor from Suffolk County from the Vietnam War.

The Riverhead Intermediate School holds an essay contest where the students write what PFC Langhorn's legacy means to them. The Patriot Guard has been asked to participate in the ceremony honoring the winners. This is a memorial event every year to honor a hero who went to the same school as the essay writers.

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

10/14/2022 at 08:30am

Staging Location:

Riverhead Intermediate School
300 Pulaski Street
Riverhead, NY 11901
Click here for map

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Mike Osip - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:

Updated 8 March 2022

Based on the most current COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines: Protect Yourself and Your Family from COVID-19, and CDC Guidelines of 3 March 2022, going forward, the Lead Ride Captain for any mission will be responsible for determining whether PGR members will have to mask up or not. Please ensure that you have a mask with you, should the need arise, and respect the LRC’s decision in these matters.

Special Information:

Please bring your flags and meet RC Mike Osip in the school lobby for instructions. This is a very uplifting mission for all who attend.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:
Pete Jepson SRC Region9
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.