World War II veteran and American Legion rider honored by Midlands bike enthusiasts
Irmo, SC (James Bowers) - “He still rides like a bat out of hell,” according to Harley Haven Marketing Manager Jessica Shoemaker, who smiles when she talks about the riding style of “Mr. Bernie” Shankman, a legend among Harley-Davidson and motorcycle buffs in the Columbia area. His standing among his hog riding peers was reflected in the turnout at Shankman’s 95th birthday bash at the Irmo Harley Davidson dealer. There, people lined up to chat and take photos with the longtime fixture of the Central Midlands HOG (Harley Owners Group) chapter. Shankman enthusiastically shook hands with his friends and admirers, with one telling him that, “Everybody wants to be you someday.”
Bernie Shankman got aboard a motorcycle in 1939, a good decade before the films of James Dean and Marlon Brando made every young man in America want to own a hog. A cousin of his owned a motorcycle and taught him how to ride. Shankman says it was love at first sight. A few years later, Shankman rode in the service of his country, serving as a “motorcycle scout” in World War II. The post required Shankman to search for enemy tanks and notify his comrades upon finding the opposing side’s armor. He carried out his duties using a Harley-Davidson, and since then Harleys have been his brand of choice. Shankman continued his military career in the early 1950s during the Korean War, where he earned a purple heart award for his bravery and being injured in battle.
Shankman has honored his comrades through longtime involvement in the American Legion. Shankman has been very active in countless charity rides where he and fellow post members have done everything from raising funds for deceased veterans’ families, placing wreaths on the graves of fallen soldiers, to delivering presents to children of lost soldier. A recent trip saw Shankman ride 600 miles to raise scholarship funds for soldiers’ children. It is a tradition for Shankman to carry the American flag during two major rides, The Vet Charity run to Dorn VA Medical Center and the Patriot Run to Harley Haven. Shankman takes enormous pride in the American Legion’s work. “It’s very humbling to honor these veterans,” Shankman said. His philanthropic efforts do not end with the American Legion. According to a recent article in Full Throttle Magazine, Shankman has been known to give rides to patients at local nursing homes, and is always willing to use his bike to help others in many other ways.
Shankman is a longtime member of the Central SC Chapter of HOG, Harley Owners Group, the official organization for Harley-Davidson riders. Shankman’s fellow riders say that despite his age and having to switch to a trike in recent years, he still can be tough to keep up with on rides.
Last year a fall temporarily forced Shankman out of the saddle. Though many would say that he should give up on the motorcycle and take it easy in this situation, Shankman was not ready to part with the love of his life.With physical therapy that included practicing the necessary motion to get on and off of his bike, Shankman was back riding within months.
“Mr. Bernie” is beloved by his fellow riders for his caring nature and love of the hobby. His charity work, longevity, and military service were factors in his selection for induction to the SC Biker Hall of Fame this year. Bernie Shankman formally became a member during an April ceremony in Myrtle Beach. It was a watershed moment for the SC biker community.
“Mr. Bernie” was honored with a 95th birthday bash on Saturday, June 2 at Harley Haven in Irmo. A sizeable turnout showed up to greet Shankman on his special day, and also enjoy grilled hot dogs and hamburgers as well as live music from the Red Fraley Band. Party games were played, and bikes were on display at the event, which was organized by Central SC HOG. It was a fitting honor for a man who had given so much to the biker community.
For more on the Central SC HOG Chapter, visit HOGS by clicking HERE.
