ROBERT M. ROBINSON, LT, USN
Robert Robinson '55
Lucky Bag
From the 1955 Lucky Bag:
ROBERT MERLE ROBINSON
Hooversville, Pennsylvania
Robby is a Navy man from way back — he joined up in '49 when he graduated from Hooversville High. Aviation summer sold Robby on Navy air and he is going to make a try for those golden wings at Pensacola. Here at Navy Robby spent his spare time at company fieldball and soccer. In the spring he helped out over at Mahan Hall with the Masqueraders' Prop Gang when he wasn't holding down the front seat at the TV set in Smoke Hall. We'll probably see him streaking through the clouds in the future.
ROBERT MERLE ROBINSON
Hooversville, Pennsylvania
Robby is a Navy man from way back — he joined up in '49 when he graduated from Hooversville High. Aviation summer sold Robby on Navy air and he is going to make a try for those golden wings at Pensacola. Here at Navy Robby spent his spare time at company fieldball and soccer. In the spring he helped out over at Mahan Hall with the Masqueraders' Prop Gang when he wasn't holding down the front seat at the TV set in Smoke Hall. We'll probably see him streaking through the clouds in the future.
Loss
Robert was lost when his A-4E crashed on approach to NAS Oceana, Virginia on June 24, 1964. He was a member of Attack Squadron (VA) 43.
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
Graduated in 1949 from Hooversville High School. “Lover.” Hillside, Class Play “The Campbells Are Coming,” Annual, Christmas Play. Class Prophecy: The witty Robert, with his carefree and easy going personality, has been chosen to head the F. B. I., … has been preparing for his career as a criminologist since high school … is collaborating with his friend on their scientific masterpiece for the F. B. I., The Criminals’ Digest. Last Will: wills his witty remarks. Class Poem: Lover is next; and yes his name is Bob. Someday he may be leading the F. B. I. mob.
He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery and was survived by his wife, Ann, and two children. (Information from August 1964 issue of Shipmate.)
Distinguished Flying Cross
From Hall of Valor:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Robert M. Robinson, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a jet aircraft in Attack Squadron FORTY-THREE (VA-43) during a routine training flight on 24 June 1964. Experiencing engine failure while approaching the runway for a landing at NAS Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia, Lieutenant Robinson elected to remain with his disabled aircraft and succeeded in maneuvering it clear of numerous homes beneath him before ejecting at extremely low altitude. In so doing, he sacrificed his own life to safeguard the lives of others.
General Orders: All Hands (March 1965)
Action Date: June 24, 1964
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant
Company: Attack Squadron 43 (VA-43)
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