Robert Onslow

9Aug1930 – 10May1968

Edison Days

Robert graduated with the Class of June 1948. He participated in the German Club, Chess Club, and Hi-Y. He was also a Boy Scout.

Military Service

Rank: Captain

Branch: United States Marine Corps

Unit: H & S Company – 1st Battalion – 26th Marine Regiment – 3rd Marine Division

Robert enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve after graduating from Edison. His reserve unit was called to active duty during the Korean War, but it does not appear that he ever deployed to Korea.

After 4 years as an enlisted Marine, and achieving the rank of Sergeant, Robert applied for and was accepted into the Navy ROTC program at the University of Minnesota.

After his first year in the ROTC program, Robert spent the summer of 1952 on the Navy light cruiser USS Roanoke as it sailed to Europe and the Caribbean.

Robert completed the ROTC program in June 1955 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps.

Robert intended to make the Marine Corps his career, and over the next 13 years he was stationed in Viginia, Alaska, North Carolina, and California. During that time, Robert’s marksmanship skills earned him a spot on the Marine Corps Rifle and Pistol teams where he competed at the prestigious National Rifle & Pistol Championship at Camp Perry, OH.

In November 1967 Robert was sent to Vietnam. The 26th Regiment was defending the Khe Sahn Combat Base when Robert arrived. From 21Jan1968 until 14Apr1968, Robert was involved in the famous Siege of Khe Sahn. His unit was relieved and evacuated to the Quang Tri Combat Base.

On 10May1968 while in a defensive position on a hill near Quang Tri, 3 enemy artillery rounds struck Robert’s position. Robert and 2 other men in his company were killed, and 4 men were wounded.

Robert’s body was returned to Minnesota for his funeral.

Robert is buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.

Robert’s name is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Panel 58E, Line 13.