He was a gunner, manning the 127mm secondary guns on the BB-34 which had the distinction of firing the most munitions during the pre-invasion bombardment of Iwo Jima. He was also onboard when a kamikaze struck the catapult and destroyed the scout plane but didn’t cause significant damage.
He was the coolest, gentlest soul who went on to befriend every person he ever met, much to the chagrin of every impatient grandchild using the restroom at a gas station during our road trips. The world lost a friend today. RIP Bob.
by seafffoam
12 Comments
We never knew you but you have our respect. Rest in peace Bob.
Sorry for your loss. That whole generation shaped America. It is sad to see time pass. The memory of them will be forever cherished and honored.
My condolences
I’m so sorry for your loss. 😓🥀💐
I’ve been on a WWII kick lately and every time I see something like this, I’m forced to pause and just think about the things they’ve seen and the ways they’ve shaped our world. The Greatest Generation. Thank you, Bob. Rest Easy.
May he rest in peace. I hope your family find solace in his memory.
Soon there won’t be any WW 2 heroes left. Lots of them worked in the steel mills in western Pennsylvania. I knew not to mess with them
May his memory be a blessing for you, and may everyone you speak to about him thank you for his service.
Having served in the Navy I always find it fascinating to think about how these guys got to see a lot of the world for the first time. Imagine pulling into the Philippines and not even knowing a idea of what to expect outside of a picture you saw in a National Geographic magazine. We live in a time where adventure is a thing of the past, No one is finding new places, No one is going on a grand adventure. The places you have never been are just a Google search away now. It’s sad really. No more pulling a Gardner McKay, buying a sailboat and fucking off to the South Pacific in search of adventure.
Anchors aweigh, my boys.
Making American History.
Wishing Bob fair winds and following seas.
Salute, Bob! o7
… thanks for honoring him, OP.