Motorcycle Riding Veterans Sought to Escort Soldiers Remains Down Bitterroot Valley

A group of motorcycle riding veterans are looking to organize as many veterans as possible, to escort the remains of a World War II veteran to his final resting place. Recently, the remains of a Corvallis man have been returned to the U.S.A.

Army Cpl. George G. Simmons died during the second World War as a P.O.W in the Philippines. Cpl. Simmons was a survivor of the infamous Bataan Death March, but passed away while still under Japanese imprisonment.

According to a recent article in the Missoulian

Thousands of American and Filipino service members were taken prisoner, including Simmons, who was taken by ship to Manila, then by train and eventually on foot to the Cabanatuan POW camp. More than 2,800 POWs perished in this camp during the remaining years of the war. On Nov. 19, 1942, 14 Americans, including Simmons, were reported to have died and were buried by their fellow prisoners in Common Grave 717 in Cabanatuan Camp #3 Cemetery.

Thanks to advancement in DNA testing, the Army Corporal's remains have been identified and sent back to Montana. Almost 80 years later. He is scheduled to be buried with full military honors on June 18th in Corvallis.

If you are a veteran or know a veteran who is also a motorcycle enthusiast, reach out to Donald Paul Goodnight on Facebook to find out more on how you can be part of a motorized escort for Cpl. Simmons' remains.