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My Grandad, Colonel John Lewis Patrick, Jr.
My grandad, Colonel John Lewis Patrick, Jr., was born on May 5, 1942, in Norfolk, Virginia. He served in the U.S. Army for nearly 30 years, working his way up from Private First Class to full Colonel.
He was an Infantry officer with the 1st Cavalry Division and spent a total of 34 months in Vietnam beginning in 1966, including during the Tet Offensive. On his final Vietnam tour, he served as aide to General Hal McCown. Later, he served in Korea as Commander of the Joint Security Area (JSA) at the Demilitarized Zone.
During his time at the JSA, he played a key role in the creation of the now-famous one-hole, par-3 golf course built in the no-man’s-land between North and South Korea. This unique hole—surrounded by minefields—was highlighted in Sports Illustrated and became known as “the world’s most dangerous golf course.” The single green could be played from multiple tee locations and remains a legendary piece of military folklore.
His final assignment before retiring was at the Pentagon. For his bravery and service, he received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Purple Heart. Outside the military, he was an avid golfer, hunter, outdoorsman, and an award-winning marksman.
He passed away on April 21, 2008, at his home in the Gates Four community in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and now rests in Arlington National Cemetery.
I’m proud to honor my grandad by placing a wreath for him through Wreaths Across America.
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In Honor Of for Col. John L. Patrick, Jr., United States Military, Honored by Ruskin Memorial Park Cemetery
In honor of Col. John L. Patrick, Jr. laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.
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Location Information
1st St SW
at Manatee Drive
Ruskin, FL, 33570
Click here for the Ruskin Memorial Park Cemetery Page
Directions to Cemetery
Navigation systems do an adequate job finding the cemetery. When you arrive, please follow the people and signs to the site of the ceremony itself.
Parking Instructions
There is plenty of parking at this cemetery, so feel free to park in any available spot.Ceremony and Volunteer Information
We are happy that you are willing to help with our Wreath Across America ceremony at Ruskin Memorial Park Cemetery. Please do not forget to register to volunteer! That way you will get all updates about the cemetery itself.
Here are some things to remember about the ceremony:
- Everyone of all ages and backgrounds is welcome.
- Please help ensure that all participants get the opportunity to place a wreath.
- Please follow the location coordinators instructions on where to place wreaths, as well as "how" they should be placed.
- We especially appreciate volunteers willing to help clean-up. Please check in with the location coordinator if you are interested in helping with the clean-up.
The most important thing to remember is to have a wonderful experience participating in the ceremony and thank you so much for help Wreaths achieve our mission to remember, honor and teach.
Our Locations
FLRMPC - Ruskin Memorial Park Cemetery
Welcome to FLRMPC - Ruskin Memorial Park Cemetery and thank you deeply for helping us with our goal to honor as many veterans as possible on Wreaths Across America Day, December 13, 2025 (Wreath Placement 10am EST). Please click "View" to learn more about our effort or to volunteer to help or click "Sponsor" to purchase wreaths that will be laid on the graves of our fallen heroes by our loyal volunteers.
