Robert Keith P. was born in 1926 on a farm in Kansas. His father owned a rather large farm. He grew up helping on the farm and from the picture, he enjoyed playing baseball.
He joined the Navy on June 19, 1944, at the age of 18. His birthdate is June 29. Earlier in the month, the Normandy Invasion took place, and by the end of August 1944, the Allies had reached the Seine River, Paris was liberated and the Germans had been removed from northwestern France. All eyes were on Europe.
Battle of Saipan 15 June 1944
Battle of the Philippine Sea 19–21 June 1944
Battle of Guam 21 July 1944
Battle of Tinian 24 July 1944
Battle of Peleliu 15 September 1944
Battle of Angaur 17 September 1944
Battle of Leyte 20 October 1944
Battle of Leyte Gulf 23 October 1944
Battle of Iwo Jima 19 February 1945
Battle of Okinawa 1 April 1945
The Landing craft he was later assigned to was the USS LCI(L)-466 (1943 - 1944) The month after he joined the Navy, the USS LCI-466 had completed the Marianas operation with the capture and occupation of Guam, 21 July to 15 August 1944. Young Robert, probably arrived at the ship, a month or two later.
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION to the LCI(G) GROUP EIGHT INCLUDING THE FLAGSHIP OF LCI FLOTILLA THREE for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
"For extraordinary heroism during action in support of beach reconnaissance by Underwater Demolition Teams at enemy Japanese-held Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on February 17, 1945. Opening heavy strafing fire as they moved in from two thousand yards offshore, the lightly armored ships of LCI(G) Group EIGHT advanced steadily under sporadic fire of the enemy until they reached the one thousand yard line to blast the heavy coastal defenses with barrage rockets. Almost immediately the shattering counterfire from well concealed and strongly fortified Japanese positions began to exact a terrific toll. One by one their guns were silenced; fires started and spread in ready ammunition; under the sustained deadly blast of hostile fire, their engine rooms flooded and those of the gallant ships still operable towed their powerless companionships clear of the overpowering fire of the enemy. Suffering desperate casualties, the units of this valiant group evacuated the wounded, extinguished their fires and resolutely returned to the firing line. Only when the beach reconnaissance had been accomplished did LCI(G) Group EIGHT retire after absorbing an hour and a quarter of devastating punishment in support of the stout-hearted swimmers of the Demolition Team. Manned by fighting and skilled seamen, these gunboats daringly pitted their fire-power against the overwhelming might of Japanese guns zeroed on them from the shores of Iwo Jima and bravely led the way for the invasion two days later."
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| LCI-466 taking enemy fire on Feb 14, 1945 |
Seaman Second Class, Robert Keith P. age 19 was among the casualties. He was buried at sea.
I can't image the horrific pain his parents must have gone through when they received notification. Just doing the research, upset me.
In 1959, his parents requested a marker - to be laid at a cemetery in Kansas.
Robert K P. received the Purple Heart for his heroism.
BORN: 29 JUNE 1926 • Kansas, USA
DIED: 17 FEB 1944 • South Pacific aboard ship in WWII Iwo Jima
A notable battle. So very young aged 19.
ReplyDeleteSo young. What a time in our history.
ReplyDeleteSuch a tragic loss of life, so young. We lived on Saipan during the 50th anniversary commemoration, former soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen traveled to the island, and many went on to Iwo Jima.
ReplyDeleteSo very sad and it makes me think of my Uncle Kurt who wad only 19. Yes, he was German and fought at the Russian front but he wad not a nazi. He actually went to jail for saying the wrong thing. He had to recant or else. He was recuperating from his wounds when, on June 30th, 1945, the Russians came in and mowed down all the German men laying in their bunks. He wad buried in a big heap with 178 others who all died of their war wounds all on the same day. Very sad.
ReplyDelete