SHORT NOTICE: CONFIRMED: Roberto Stillman Garcia, US Navy, KIA/MIA – RECOVERY (201-250) 17 Oct 25
8922 Airport Blvd
San Antonio, TX 78216
USA
“SHORT NOTICE”
US NAVY – MIA/KIA – RECOVERY
The family of Roberto Stillman Garcia, Storekeeper Third Class, US Navy. Requests the attendance and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders in the recovery of their loved one and a NON-LEO Supported Procession to the Funeral Home. We are honored to accept this invitation.
On December 7, 1941, at 7:55 am, Japan carried out a surprise air assault on the US Naval Base located in Pearl Harbor, Oahu Island, Hawaii. Storekeeper Third Class Roberto Stillman Garcia, age 23, was assigned to the USS California. 102 sailors and marines aboard the California perished in the attack. The California was struck by 2 torpedoes on its port side and bombs from above and suffered severe damage. By mid-morning, oil fires from the surface of the water had enveloped the ship. At approximately 10:02 a.m., the order was given to abandon ship. However, less than 15 minutes later, the order to abandon was rescinded as service members from ashore, and in the water returned to the ship to continue fighting. Although the sailors valiantly defended their ship and counter-flooding efforts managed to keep the ship upright, the ship slowly sank over the next 3 days. Several months later, the USS California was raised and floated to dry dock for repair and salvage operations. A total of 2,403 sailors, soldiers, and civilians perished in the assault, and the United States was thrust into WWII. Serviceman, Storekeeper Third Class, Roberto Stillman Garcia, age 23, assigned to the USS California, was believed to be aboard the USS California at the time of the attack. Despite a search for survivors, Storekeeper Third Class Garcia was not found and he was declared dead. His remains were subsequently declared “non-recoverable.” In early 1942, remains were removed from the ship and although some were identified, many were buried as unknowns at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Storekeeper Third Class Roberto Stillman Garcia was memorialized at The Tomb of the Unknowns, also known as the Punchbowl, for its namesake crater setting.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously said December 7, 1941 would be a “date which will live in Infamy.”
In 2018, after 77 years, the US Navy disinterred the Unknowns and commenced DNA testing to identify the remains. In April 2025, the family of Storekeeper Third Class Garcia was notified that his remains had, at long last, been identified.
Storekeeper Third Class Roberto Stillman Garcia was born on January 3, 1918, in Concepcion, Texas, to the marital union of Nicolas Garcia, and Cleotilde Stillman Garcia. He was preceded in death by his sister Dora Garcia. Left to honor his sacrifice were siblings Clotilde Garcia (Clemente), Nicolas Garcia (Petra), Sara Canales (Rodolfo), Rodolfo Garcia (Alicia), and Ester Hinojosa (Ramon). He is survived by nieces and nephews Olga Bonilla, Nickie Valdez, Jose Fernando Garcia, Arnoldo Garcia, Irma Cantu, Dr. Roberto Garcia, Thelma Barrios, Rodolfo Garcia, Jr. His nieces and nephews who unfortunately passed away prior to the identification of the remains, but who are now reunited with him in heaven include: Noe Ruben Garcia, Clemente Garcia, Jr., Maria Luisa Gonzalez, Dora McClurg, Lucia Ester Acuna, Irene Mackay, Ester Valadez, Ester Elda Trevino, Ramon Hinojosa, Jr. He is also survived by many other grand and great nieces and nephews.
Storekeeper Third Class, Roberto Stillman Garcia was awarded the following medals, in order of precedence, for his honorable service: The Purple Heart (Awarded Posthumously), American Defense, American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific Campaign, World War II Victory.
Roberto Stillman Garcia spent his formative years tending to livestock on the family ranch in Concepcion, where they raised cattle and sheep. He graduated from Falfurrias High School and resided in Falfurrias and Premont during that time. He was employed part-time as a store clerk at a local drug store. His high school yearbook charmingly quotes, “his likeable qualities will carry him on the road to success,” and “no sinner, no saint, perhaps, but still the very best of chaps.” On August 14, 1940, Garcia enlisted in the United States Navy to begin a career in military service. Killed in action on that infamous day, December 7, 1941, his place in our hearts and in history is only surpassed by his place in heaven.
WEATHER: Hi 91 / Lo 72, 0 % Chance of Rain, 87 % Humidity, Wind: 3 mph ESE
REQUESTOR: Angelica Garcia, Niece
STAGING: 8:50 am, Friday, October 17, 2025
San Antonio International Airport
Cell Phone Waiting Lot (Behind the Gas Station)
8922 Airport Blvd
San Antonio Texas 78216
https://goo.gl/maps/s9GAmi27evG2
**MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A FULL TANK OF GAS
*** MOTORCYCLES ONLY***
BRIEFING: 9:00 am
PLANE ARRIVES AT: 9:50 am (Delta # 1312)
KSU: 10:15 am (On Cue, Semper Gumby)
DESTINATION: 12:45 pm
Seaside Funeral Home
4357 Ocean Dr,
Corpus Christi, Texas 78412
https://maps.app.goo.gl/W3ZCKWYu3pZaP4a88
We will have an Honor Line at the Funeral Home.
RC: Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
bobtxpgr@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