ROBERT L. GRANTHAM, LTJG, USCG
Robert Grantham '32
Robert Leven Grantham was admitted to the Naval Academy from Newbern, Alabama on June 15, 1928 at age 19 years 10 months.
He resigned on February 12, 1929.
Lucky Bag
Robert is listed under "Casualties" during Plebe Year.
Tide Rips (Coast Guard Academy Yearbook)
From the 1932 Tide Rips:
Robert Leven Grantham
Newbern, Alabama
GRANTHAM, Burmingham, Alabam, God-dam!! No more familiar introduction could be given Bob than the words which he used to introduce himself to the upper classmen during his first year at the Academy. A south wind brought Bob and with him something which might generally be classified as Southern hospitality. His decided Dixie accent, obliging manner, and cheerful disposition made Bob Grantham-well, Bob Grantham.
Bob gives his best in every worthwhile endeavor. Whether it be in the field of sport or in some part of his professional duty. Whether he be in the stands or in the game, he can be counted upon for whole-hearted support. Incidentally, Bob has been a member of the varsity basketball squad for the past three years.
Robert L. departs from the confines of the Academy after period of most faithful endeavor. He is white clear through, simply because he knows not how to be otherwise. For a pal he will go the limit. His heart and his pocketbook have ever been open to us all. In the long years to come, bringing with them mellowed memories of our cadet days, there will loom one figure, staunch and loyal,—Grantham!
Basketball (3) (2) (1); Class Secretary (3) (2) (1); Class Football (3) (2) (1); RUNNING LIGHT (2); Cadet Cruise (3) (2); Rifle Sharpshooter
Robert Leven Grantham
Newbern, Alabama
GRANTHAM, Burmingham, Alabam, God-dam!! No more familiar introduction could be given Bob than the words which he used to introduce himself to the upper classmen during his first year at the Academy. A south wind brought Bob and with him something which might generally be classified as Southern hospitality. His decided Dixie accent, obliging manner, and cheerful disposition made Bob Grantham-well, Bob Grantham.
Bob gives his best in every worthwhile endeavor. Whether it be in the field of sport or in some part of his professional duty. Whether he be in the stands or in the game, he can be counted upon for whole-hearted support. Incidentally, Bob has been a member of the varsity basketball squad for the past three years.
Robert L. departs from the confines of the Academy after period of most faithful endeavor. He is white clear through, simply because he knows not how to be otherwise. For a pal he will go the limit. His heart and his pocketbook have ever been open to us all. In the long years to come, bringing with them mellowed memories of our cadet days, there will loom one figure, staunch and loyal,—Grantham!
Basketball (3) (2) (1); Class Secretary (3) (2) (1); Class Football (3) (2) (1); RUNNING LIGHT (2); Cadet Cruise (3) (2); Rifle Sharpshooter
Loss
On April 6, 1939:
LTJG R. L. Grantham and three crewmen departed Coast Guard Air Patrol Detachment El Paso enroute to Galveston, Texas. Shortly after takeoff the airplane encountered a dust storm, high winds, and then icing. When the icing became too severe he ordered his crew to bail out. After the last crewman had exited the plane, he too jumped but his parachute caught on a wing and he was carried to his death.
His obituary in the May, 1939 Coast Guard Magazine [page 5] states: "The historic sod of Arlington National Cemetery last month closed over yet another Coast Guard hero. Lieutenant (j.g.) R. L. Grantham, USCG, flyer. Not for the first time in recent Coast Guard history has an officer given his life for enlisted men. Lieutenant Grantham's case left no doubt of his actions and heroism in sending his men to safety while he died at his post. Caught in a dust storm near Alpine, Texas, the plane was buffeted about by high winds, completely out of control. Lieutenant Grantham ordered his men to jump. They did, the three men landing safely. They were Clifford J. Hudder, James A. Dinan, and Robert S. Paddon. They realize full well that Lieutenant Grantham died that they might live. Ages ago it was written in letters to the sky, 'Greater love than this hath no man than that he give his life for his friend.' There is no finer way to die. To make sure his men were clear, Grantham stuck at the controls too long. When he tried to clear the plane it was too late to save his own life. Married only last May, Lieutenant Grantham's widow at least has the memory of a man whose name will go down in the annals of the Coast Guard and the United States as all officer, all gentleman, and ALL MAN!"
Photographs
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
Robert graduated from Greensboro High School and then the Marion Institute in 1928. He was appointed to the Naval Academy by Congressman Oliver.
After leaving the Academy, he attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and graduated in 1932. He attended the U.S. Flight Training School at the naval station in Pensacola and completed the course with the class of 1937.
Robert married the former Helen Louise Winchell on April 26, 1938, at the Little Church of Roses, Chula Vista, California. At the time, he was at the U.S. Coast Guard air station in San Diego.
His father was also Robert L., and his mother was Pattie. By 1920, she married C. F. E. Munger who was a railroad agent in Bethel, Alabama. Robert's sister was Martha, and his wife of one year was Helen Louise.
Robert was a 1932 graduate of the US Coast Guard Academy and later became Coast Guard aviator #49. He was the commanding officer of the El Paso Air Patrol Detachment for barely a month before his death. Prior to this he had been stationed at the "San Diego Air Station, where he distinguished himself with rescues at sea and relief flights over land."
Robert is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial
The Coast Guard has named at least one modern helicopter after Robert.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
