Sgt. Robert H. Anderson
Killed in Action June 25
Had Just Been Awarded Air Medal in England;
Overseas Since May 1
Sgt. Robert H. Anderson, whose wife and son live at 137 26th S. W., was killed in action on flight out of England on June 25, it was stated in a telegram received here Friday.
The news of Sgt. Anderson’s death came just a few days following announcement that he had been awarded the air medal somewhere in England. The citation accompanying the medal, which was received here July 1, read:
“For meritorious achievement in accomplishing with distinction several aerial operations over enemy-occupied continental Europe. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by this individual in the face of determined opposition materially aided in the successful completion of these missions. His actions reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.”
Sgt. Anderson was [an] aerial gunner and had been stationed in England since May 1. He entered service on Dec. 29, 1942, and was graduated from Tyndall field gunnery school at Panama City, Fla., last November. He is the son of Mrs. James L. Anderson, 16 ½ 12th N. W. (Russell photo)
Source: The Globe Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, Tuesday, July 11, 1944, Page 10 (photo included)
MEMORIAL RITES HELD FOR
THOSE WHO GAVE LIVES
Rogness Speaks for Services
Held at Music Hall for 12
The great problem in rehabilitation of men in service will be to find something to do as significant as the services they have given on the battlefield, the Rev. Alvin N. Rogness, pastor of Trinity Lutheran church, said at the monthly memorial service Sunday at Music hall, commemorating those members of the army, navy and marine corps who have given their lives in the service of their country.
“The minds of these boys often reach high points of service that these things for which we fight shall live, even if it costs their life blood to have them live,” said Mr. Rogness.
“We have honor today those whose lives have been cut short by war. It is the price man pays for not having walked the ways of God. God did not make war. He didn’t desire their death. It is not wrong for us to say that God may take the blood shed by these and cleanse the earth of such pillage that has been our lot for several years.”
. . . The program was sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, with W. V. Clausen, commander of the post, in charge. Mrs. Harold Sayder sang 2 selections, accompanied by Mrs. Morris Laird at the piano.
The offering of symbolic tribute and roll call of departed comrades was given by Comdr. Clausen and this was followed by the presentation of flags and Gold Star citations to the next of kin assisted by H. A. Austin of the American Legion and by Cpl. Beverly Myers and Pvt. Jean Morley, WAC recruiting officers.
Those honored Sunday were:
Robert Harold Anderson
Jerold Richard Bond
Keith Ellsworth Dye
Willard Earl Dunton
Mickel John Garcis
Eugene Hall Kirshbaum
Louis Joseph Pion, Jr.
Ernest Hall Ruhnke
Robert Vance Ulin
Cecil Thomas Waldmoe
Lester Lee Williams
John Raymond Gagnon
The ceremony was concluded by the firing squad under 1st Sgt. Frank Shobin, with Major Jack Cheyne sounding taps. The next ceremony will be held the final Sunday in November.
Source: The Globe Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, Monday, October 30, 1944, Page 11
Sgt. Robert Harold Anderson is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, IA.
Source: ancestry.com
