GLENN ALLEN HARRIS
Local War Hero
Repatriation & Funeral
GLENN ALLEN HARRIS
Pfc Glenn Allen Harris, 26, born February 16, 1916 to M. Ray and Myrtle Harris of the Bryson-Hesperia community, Monterey County, California passed from this life on July 26, 1942 while interred at Cabanatuan POW camp, Philippines.
Glenn grew up on the ranch, enjoying family, fixing cars and riding his Indian motorcycle. He graduated from King City High School in 1935 and subsequently attended Anderson Diesel School in Los Angeles and worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company in King City, Ca.
Glenn enlisted in the Army Air Corp on October 11, 1940 and was stationed at Clark Air Base in the Philippines when Japan attacked it hours after Pearl Harbor. His unit retreated to the Bataan Peninsula but they and many thousands of others were captured by the Japanese and subjected to the ‘Bataan Death March’ which he survived but succumbed to probable malaria about 3 months later. He was interred in a common grave with many other POWs.
After the war, the Army disinterred the common graves and attempted identification of individuals. Given the science available at the time, ID was impossible to obtain for most and they were reinterred at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines.
Given the Army’s ‘leave no one behind’ philosophy and the great advancement of science in recent years, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has recently been able to identify Glenn’s remains and are returning them to the family for closure.
At the time of his death, in addition to his parents, Glenn left behind four brothers, Clifford, Forrest, Wayne and Dale as well as one sister Dorothy (Harris) Bilyeu and several nephews.
He seemed to have always been a favorite brother and a best friend to everyone.
Glenn’s sacrifice will be honored at Keuhl-Nicolay Funeral Home in Paso Robles, Ca. on September 30, 2023 with full military honors beginning with a private family gathering at 9:00AM followed by a public ceremony and procession to Pleyto Cemetery for burial on the shores of Lake San Antonio. A private luncheon for family and invited guests only will follow at Hesperia Hall.
NACITONE MUSEUM
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Flag Pole Dedication Ceremony
November 7, 2020
Nacitone Flagpole Dedication Ceremony
On Saturday November 7, 2020 the Nacitone Foundation held a Flagpole Dedication Ceremony at the Nacitone Museum grounds in Lockwood California. Approximately 120 local residents were in attendance as the flagpole was dedicated to former Lockwood resident Richard (Dick) E. Warne, U.S.M.C. and all California central coast Veterans.
Nacitone Museum President
Don Gillett Addressing Attendees
Nacitone Museum Board President Don Gillett was the emcee for the event which featured a U.S. Army Honor Guard from Fort Hunter Liggett. It was a particularly poignant moment as the Honor Guard resplendent with their polished chrome rifles, raised the American Flag with the Star-Spangled Banner echoing in the background.
Keynote Speaker - Congressman Panetta
The keynote speaker for the dedication ceremony was U.S. Congressman Jimmy Panetta who presented Dick Warne’s family with an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in recognition of his patriotism and service to his country. It was fitting that the honor was bestowed by Congressman Panetta, as he is also an American Veteran who was awarded the Bronze Star.
Monterey County District 3 Supervisor Chris Lopez was also in attendance and spoke personally with many of the local residents following the conclusion of the event.
Neil Whitty Recognizes Veterans
Former Nacitone Museum President and U.S. Navy Seabee Neil Whitty recognized all Veterans in attendance and dedicated the flagpole to the estimated 186 local Veterans who reside within the local communities of Lockwood, Jolon, Bradley, Bryson, and Hesperia. Whitty stated “We’re here to honor our Veterans, and remember the sacrifices they have made defending our Country, and to say thank you for their courageous service. Our Nacitone Museum’s flagpole dedication is also intended to be a tribute to fallen soldiers and to their families. It is a way for our small community to say we will always remember.”
Salinan Tribal Chair Michael Woody
Recognizes Native American Veterans
Salinan Tribal Council Chair Michael Woody spoke about the important contributions and sacrifices made by U.S. Veterans of Salinan Indian heritage. He recited the names of several dozen local Salinan Veterans and presented a plaque to the Nacitone Museum on behalf of the Salinan Tribe recognizing their service. The Salinan Tribe also recently updated their exhibits in the Museum with a variety of exciting new artifacts and interpretative materials.
Fred Forgnone
The flagpole dedication ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a beautiful stainless steel flagpole dedication plaque fabricated by Nacitone Museum Board Member Fred Forgnone. Mr. Forgnone also recently completed construction of a large new stainless steel sign for the Museum.
Tri-Tip Barbeque Sandwich Takeout
A tri-tip barbeque take-out and bake sale was enjoyed by attendees following the ceremony. The American flag flew proudly from the new flagpole in the stiff November breeze as participants left the event.