20May1916 – 8MAy1943
Edison Days
Robert graduated in the June Class of 1934. He was involved with Gleam, a student written and published literary magazine, and Senior Boys’ Club.
Military Service
Branch: United States Naval Reserve
Rate: Radarman 3rd Class
Ship: USS Chevalier (DD-451)
Robert enlisted in the Navy on 7Feb1942. Two months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. After basic training, it appears that he attended a “Secret” radar school in Boston, Massachusetts.
He joined the maiden crew of the destroyer USS Chevalier (DD-451) in July 1942.
Between 3 October and 11Dec1942 Chevalier made three convoy escort voyages; one coastwise, with tankers; a second, from Bermuda to Norfolk, Virginia and with one of the first reinforcement convoys for North Africa. Sailing from Norfolk, Virginia on 17 December, she passed through the Panama Canal on Christmas Day 1942. Chevalier reached Efate, New Hebrides 22Jan1943. On 27 January she sortied with TF 18 to cover the movement of troop transports to Guadalcanal. On 29 and 30 January Chevalier joined in protective antiaircraft fire as her force came under intensive Japanese air attack in the Battle of Rennell Island. Chevalier operated on patrol from Efate, and after 14 February from Espiritu Santo.
In March, Nicholas, O’Bannon, Chevalier and Strong were assigned as Destroyer Division 41 in Destroyer Squadron 21. Through the next months, as the New Georgia campaign commenced, the division engaged in patrol and shore bombardment, during which time Chevalier earned the additional nickname “Fighting French Cruiser.”
On 14Apr1943, a story about Robert appeared in the Minneapolis Star for sending $ 265 home from the Pacific to purchase War Bonds.
On 7 May she escorted three minelayers as they mined Blackett Strait, and Kula Gulf, Solomon Islands. The next night three Japanese destroyers, Kuroshio, Oyashio, and Kagero, ran into the minefield and were severely damaged by the mines and then sunk by aircraft.
Robert died on 8May1943. The muster report states that his death was in the “line of duty, not result of action with enemy”. The circumstances of his death are unknown.
While it was customary for sailors to be buried at sea, it is unclear what happened to Robert’s remains. No records have been found at this time.
On 3Mar1948 a graveside service was held, and a head stone placed, at St. Anthony Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.
Edison Heroes 