CONFIRMED: John E. Kilmer, Veteran, US Navy, Korea (146-25) 16 Aug 25
8235 Mission Rd
San Antonio, TX 78214
USA
US NAVY VETERAN – KOREAN WAR
The family of Mr. John E. Kilmer, a US Navy Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the Remembrance Ceremony of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
John Edward “Jackie” Kilmer was born in Highland Park, Illinois, on 15 August 1930. He quit high school at age 17 to join the U. S. Navy on 16 August 1947. He enlisted as an apprentice seaman at the Navy Recruiting Station, Houston, Texas, and trained at Naval Hospital Corps School, San Diego, California. After graduation in April 1948, he advanced in rank to Hospital Apprentice, then to Hospitalman on 1 September 1950.
Hospitalman Kilmer was assigned to the hospital ship USS Repose when war broke out in Korea. On board ship, he had gained a good deal of experience and decided the Navy afforded him wide opportunities in medicine so, when his contract expired in August 1951, HN Kilmer reenlisted.
He received further training at the Marine Barracks, Camp Pendleton, California, in April 1952, and upon graduating in June, he joined H Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force Pacific. On 12-13 August 1952, HN Kilmer took part in the attack on “Bunker Hill” in Korea.
During battle, HN Kilmer repeatedly braved enemy fire to reach wounded Marines and render aid, carrying many to safety. He defied warnings of danger and started crawling towards a seriously wounded Marine who was lying in the open field. Mortar fragments struck HN Kilmer, but he continued crawling until he reached the wounded man. As the attack intensified, HN Kilmer unhesitatingly shielding his patient with his own body. HN Kilmer was mortally wounded by flying shrapnel, but saved the Marine’s life. For his exceptional fortitude, determined efforts, and unyielding devotion to duty, HN Kilmer was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented to his mother by Secretary of the Navy Robert B. Anderson on 18 June 1953.
Hospitalman Kimer was laid to rest in San Jose Burial Park, San Antonio, Texas.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, his decorations included the Purple Heart Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal.
WEATHER: Hi 95 / Lo 78, 0 % Chance of Rain, 88 % Humidity, Wind: 5 mph SSE
REQUESTOR: John Rodriguez, Family SPOX
STAGING: 8:15 am, Saturday, August 16, 2025
San Jose Burial Park – Front Gate
8235 Mission Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
VNn9Tb3jH4P2
BRIEFING: 8:30 am
KSU: 8:45 am (Semper Gumby)
REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY: 9:00 am
San Jose Burial Park
8235 Mission Road
San Antonio, Texas 78214
VNn9Tb3jH4P2
RC: Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
bobtxpgr@gmail.com
FC: Charles “Music Man” Jones
Cj083206@gmail.com
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.
2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.
At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.
If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.
Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223
“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers