ABOUT THE MISSION:

The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to stand in silent Honor and Respect for COL.Richard F. Carvell, U.S. Army (RET), Korean/Vietnam Wars Veteran, for his final service on Saturday, 12 Sep 20 in St. Albans, WV. COL Carvell went to be with the Lord on 08 Sep 20.
Colonel Carvell was a graduate of Shinnston High School. Shinnston, WV. He began his extensive military career in the United States Army in 1949 at the age of 18. Turning down the acceptance to attend West Point, he went to serve his country in the Korean War, completing three tours. Upon return, he met the love of his life, Judith Burton. They were married in South Charleston, WV in 1953. She was dedicated to the success of his military career. Richard spent 3 tours in Vietnam. While serving his last tour as Battalion Commander of the 1st/46th Inf Bde, one of his most memorable assignments was Fire Base Mary Ann. This is where he acquired the nickname “Crash” Carvell and “Superman” after surviving numerous helicopter crashes.
Colonel Carvell was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School 23 March 1954, class number 4. His first duty assignment was as Platoon Leader, Company I, 325th ABN Infantry Regiment, 82d ABN Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. | His subsequent duty assignments include: XO, Headquarters Company, 325 Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Assistant COMDT Airborne School, Headquarters, School and Training Command, 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Platoon Leader, company C, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Division Platoon Leader/XO/Division Executive, Company C, 1st Battle Group, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Instructor, Ranger Department, UN States Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia; Detachment Commander, Company D, 7th special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Detachment Commander MTT, Company A, 8th Special Forces Group, San Bernardo, Chile; Assistant S-3, Headquarters Company, 8th Special Forces Group, Fort Gulick Canal Zone; Special Forces Instructor, Combat Arms Division, USAQMS, Fort Lee, Virginia; Department Commander, Det B-56, 5th Special Forces Group, Vietnam; Battalion S-3/Battalion XO/Battalion Commander, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, Vietnam; Chief, Plans Branch, Headquarters, U.S. Army School, training Center, Fort McClellan, Alabama; Battalion Commander, Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade, Vietnam; Regimental Advisor, 52d Infantry Regiment, 18th Infantry Division, Vietnam; Infantry Assignments, Colonel’s Division, OPO-OPD, Washington, D.C.; Chief Reforger Group and Deputy Director, Brigade 75/76, ODCSOPS, Headquarters USAREUR and Seventh Army, Heidelberg, Germany. | His awards and decorations include: Pathfinder Badge, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge (2 Awards), Glider Badge, Master Parachute Badge, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Crosses (7 Palms, 2 Silver Star, 1 Bronze Star), PUC (Navy), PUC (Army, 2 Awards), Purple Heart (2 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (2 Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Medal (V Device, 13 Oak Leaf Cluster), Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal (V Device, 3 Oak Leaf Cluster), Legion of Merit.

PRIMARY STAGING DETAILS: 09-12-20
Staging Time: 09:30 AM

Bartlett Nichols Funeral Home
409 6th Ave.
St. Albans, West Virginia 25177
https://tinyurl.com/y54glzwg

Ride Captain:

WV RC Dave Shaffer (pdshaffer327@yahoo.com) is the RCIC.

Special Instructions:

Mission briefing at 9:45 AM.
Flag line will be in place prior to the start of visitation at 10:00 AM and will be maintained until the start of services at 11:00 AM.
At the conclusion of services, our flag line will be established for COL Carvell’s dignified transfer to the hearse.
Escort will be provided to Cunningham Memorial Park, 815 Cunningham Lane, St. Albans, WV 25177 (https://tinyurl.com/yxvzgg2t).
Upon arriving at the cemetery, our flag line will be set and maintained for the duration of graveside services.
Covid-19 restrictions will ONLY be in place if you enter the funeral home to pay your respects.
Early weather forecast is for temperatures in the mid-80’s with a 60% chance of sunshine. Please dress and travel accordingly, ensuring you keep yourself well hydrated.
If possible, won’t you join with us as we say “Thank You” and “God Speed” to another of our native sons who so willingly gave of himself to help protect and preserve your freedom and liberties.
Flags & Water:
Flags will not be provided
If you have large bike flags, please bring them.
Water WILL NOT be provided, please bring your own.

Submitted By: Susan Whitlatch

Position: West Virginia Mission Submitter

409 6th Ave, St Albans, WV 25177