PGRNY Current Missions

Honor Mission

SSG John A. Pagliuso

US Army Air Forces
WW II KIA Repatriation

Multi-City, NY - 11/05 & 07/2025

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 1, Region 2

About the Mission:

The family of United States Army Air Forces Staff Sergeant John A. Pagliuso has asked Patriot Guard Riders to participate in honoring his service and celebrating his life. Mr. Pagliuso was killed in action (KIA) during WW II. His remains were recently identified and he is being returned for burial beside his family members. Note below comes from a Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency article dated March 20, 2025.

"The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced today (March 20, 2025) that U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. John A. Pagliuso, 24, killed during World War II, was accounted for on March 17, 2025.  In the fall of 1942, Pagliuso was assigned to the 405th Bombardment Squadron, 38th Bombardment Group. On Oct. 5, Pagliuso was onboard a B-25 Mitchell bomber with six other crew members during a mission over Papua New Guinea. The aircraft did not return, and postwar search efforts failed to recover any remains."  Click here for link to full article
 

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

11/05/2025 at 10:45am

Staging Location:

Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport
Cargo Gate 5
105 E. Airport Rd.
Rochester, NY 14624
Click here for map

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Bruce Forsyth
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
201-602-0938

Special Information:

PGR members will form a flag line at Cargo Gate 5 in anticipation of the hearse and family members arriving there between 11:15 and 11:30am.  Members may be allowed onto the tarmac to conduct a dignified transfer from the plane to the hearse.  Members will then escort the cortege from the airport to:

Boeheim-Pusateri Funeral Home
77 William Street
Lyons, NY 14489
Click here for map

There is a specific route planned to give residents an opportunity to honor this hero on his way to the funeral home.  If you cannot make it to the airport, consider forming a flag line at the funeral home for the arrival of the cortege. The cortege is expected to arrive at the funeral home at 2:15pm.

Please come with clean 3x5 US, US Army, or US Air Force flag; dress for the weather, bring your own water, and ensure your flags are properly mounted for highway speeds.  Thank you for taking time to honor the life and service of US Army Air Corps Staff Sergeant John Pagliuso and to support his loving family.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

yes

Second Staging Date and Staging Time:

11/07/2025 at 10:00am

Second Location:

Boeheim-Pusateri Funeral Home
77 William Street
Lyons, NY 14489
Click here for map

Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Bruce Forsyth
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
201-602-0938

Second Stage - Special Information:

PGR Members will form a flag line at the funeral home and perform a dignified transfer at approximately 10:30am. Members will then escort the cortege to the cemetery (approximately 2 miles):

Elmwood Cemetery
129 Phelps Street
Lyons, NY 14489
Click here for map

At the cemetery we will perform a dignified transfer and participate in the graveside services. Services are scheduled to begin at 11:00am.  Following the services, PGR Members will perform a final salute which will conclude the mission.

Please come with clean 3x5 US, US Army, or US Air Force flag; dress for the weather, bring your own water, and ensure your flags are properly mounted for highway speeds. Thank you for taking time to honor the life and service of US Army Air Forces Staff Sergeant John A. Pagliuso and to support his loving family.

Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

Bruce Forsyth

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