Gordon Franklin Rogers

by Walter Rogers

with generous contributions from Bill Reynolds, “Signal” Director of Veterans Affairs

View this video Interview:

bit.ly/3KJbm6F

"Meeting the Brave Gordon Rogers, World War II"

April 12, 2022

Gordon Franklin Rogers, 96, of Newhall, California, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2022. Gordon was born on May 12, 1925.

Surviving and immediate family members include one son, Walter Allan Rogers; Larry Riedmaier, step son; nieces Patricia Grigsby and Connie Froeberg by his brother, Howard Rogers; Charlotte Thurstin, granddaughter of Mary Rogers; niece Jane Alioto by his brother-in-law George Wickboldt.

Gordon was born to Walter Franklin Rogers and Bertha May Metz on May 12, 1925, in Burbank, California. Sadly, when he was 7 years old, his mother died of colon cancer, and six months later, his father died at a nearby hospital. After losing his parents it taught him discipline and responsibility. Because his father was a Mason, Gordon was raised in The Masonic Home for Children in Covina, California. Every kid had to “pull their own” and take on chores to run the household.

After enduring tragedy in childhood, Gordon Rogers went on to perform one of the most hair-raising duties during World War II as a teenager, participating in America’s massive offensive to pulverize Hitler’s Nazi Germany.

He graduated from Covina High School in 1942 and immediately joined the U.S. Army Air Corp at age 17 because “...I didn’t want to pound ground in Europe…”. During basic training at Amarillo, Texas, Gordon qualified for the Aviation Cadet Program. After basic training, Gordon transferred to Missouri State Teachers College in Springfield,a Illinois for one year, followed by pre-flight training near San Antonio, Texas. Afterward, he went to a six-month gunnery training course at “Flexible Gunnery School” in Harlingen, Texas. Gordon learned to fire twin .50-caliber M2 Browning machine guns and to operate a B-24 tail turret.

It’s incredible to comprehend the flurry of activity a young 18 year old went through to prepare during this period. Gordon flew three missions in early 1945 from the RAF Bungay (Flixton) airfield. The last one was over Saltzburg Austria on April 25, 1945. VE day ended the war on May 8, 1945.

After the war, Gordon embarked on a career in aviation, joining the Cal-Aero Technical Institute at Grand Central Air Terminal, Glendale, California. He earned a Master Aviation Mechanic degree in by 1950. Gordon had a career at Pacific Airmotive Corporation in Burbank and joined the California National Air Guard and in 1951. In 1947 Gordon married Joyce Wickboldt, while in Glendale, California. They had one child, Walter Allan Rogers and moved to their Northridge home in 1952. Joyce passed away in 1996.

Gordon actively pursued competitive shooting with the M-1 rifle through the late 1950s into the 60s. He represented the California Air National Guard rifle team as a distinguished marksman achieving the three legs, bronze, silver and gold medals. By the end of the 60s he transitioned to team competitions with the Colt 45 pistol.

Gordon married Mary Riedmaier in 1969… eloping to Las Vegas. They remained married for 38 years until she passed in 2007. Both moved to Santa Clarita in 1972 where they bought their home. Through the 1970s and into the 2000’s, he stayed active with the custom Plastics & Embroidery” home business.

His “militia” hobby specialized in name tags; medal, plastic or cloth ... including patriotic embroidery work. Gordon was known to the entire region of law enforcement and military throughout Southern California. He volunteered at Henry Mayo Hospital and was awarded the Excellence Award for his 10 years and 2500 hours of work in 2016. After Mary’s passing, Gordon attended the Santa Clarita Valley Methodist church… becoming active with the M&M’s social group. He was truly the archetypal grandfather… World War II veteran beloved by all.

Also known for being the “Button Guy”, Gordon was known through the Santa Clarita Valley at IHOP, Mimis’ and Black Bear restaurants. He frequently showed off his buttons and used it to flirt with all the waitresses.

Gordon was very proud of his military service and is considered a True American Patriot.