As John J. Newkirk gazed upon the imposing stone archway of Pier 33 in San Francisco, California feelings of bitterness began to well up inside him. Through that famous portal, countless young American men had shipped out to fight in the Pacific during WWII. Many never returned.
It’s where his father’s cousin, “Scarsdale Jack” Newkirk, had shipped out before being shot down and killed over Thailand – but not before becoming a highly decorated fighter pilot. It was where his father, John B. “Jack” Newkirk had shipped out, as well.
But now, on July 16, 2005, the son was there for a different reason – to retrace (in reverse) his father’s 1939 ride from New York to San Francisco on a 1930 Harley-Davidson® VL. The ride was his father’s “last hurrah” as an innocent young man before the second Great War changed him – and the world – forever.
Hafa Adai (greetings) from Guam! These photos are of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle that sits in about 30 feet of water in Apra Harbor, Guam. This bike was used during World War II. After the war ended, Seabees and Marines dumped tons of unusable vehicles and gear overboard from barges. It’s unknown whether the bike was used by the Japanese during the occupation of Guam or whether it was used by Marines during the island’s liberation. Either way, it’s a reminder of Harley-Davidson’s contribution to, and impact on, the military and U.S. history.
Pete Siguenza, Vice Director
Mariana Islands H.O.G. Chapter, Guam
As John J. Newkirk gazed upon the imposing stone archway of Pier 33 in San Francisco, California feelings of bitterness began to well up inside him. Through that famous portal, countless young American men had shipped out to fight in the Pacific during WWII. Many never returned.
It’s where his father’s cousin, “Scarsdale Jack” Newkirk, had shipped out before being shot down and killed over Thailand – but not before becoming a highly decorated fighter pilot. It was where his father, John B. “Jack” Newkirk had shipped out, as well.
But now, on July 16, 2005, the son was there for a different reason – to retrace (in reverse) his father’s 1939 ride from New York to San Francisco on a 1930 Harley-Davidson® VL. The ride was his father’s “last hurrah” as an innocent young man before the second Great War changed him – and the world – forever.
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As Gary Wetzel sits in his modest South Milwaukee home watching a TV special about Vietnam War veterans from Wisconsin, a small wooden box rests inconspicuously on a table nearby, next to a picture of his granddaughter. The contents of the box gives Wetzel reason to pay extra attention: Inside is Wetzel’s Congressional Medal of Honor, awarded for valor, the highest honor a soldier can receive.
The words on the citation he received describe an act of extraordinary heroism. They make you think, “How in the world … could anybody do what he did!?”
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HOG is the official publication of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company; a subscription is included as member benefit of the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.®). For information on becoming a member, visit www.hog.com.
