Shortly after the declaration of war I applied for active duty and reported to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and was assigned to duty at Camp Roberts, California February 3, 1942.  After several weeks, the Army decided that I did not need the training at Camp Roberts and I was assigned to the 110th Infantry Regiment of the 28th Division at Camp Livingston, Louisiana.

On July 4, 1942, I was given TDY (temporary duty) with the 88th Division, Camp Gruber, Oklahoma.  There I saw duty as the Division Mess Officer.  In that capacity, I was in charge of activating and establishing the mess halls for the 88th Division.

Upon returning to Camp Livingston, I was put in command of Company I, 110th Infantry Regiment.  We trained in the Camp Livingston area and later were transfered to Camp Gordon, Johnston, Florida, where we received training in amphibious landing, forced marching and street fighting.

From April 21 to July 25, 1943, I attended and Officer's Training School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

We sailed from Camp Pickett, Virginia in August 1943 on a Liberty Ship where I was in charge of the troops on board.  We experienced a terrible rain storm with waves 15-20 feet high.  Many of the men became sea sick.  Several of my sergeants and I spent much of our time carrying men out of the "holes" to the upper deck.  After a month, we landed at Algeria, Africa.  During our stay there we experienced an African sand storm.  A few weeks later, we shipped out for Naples, Italy.  What a horrible place!  The next two years were spent in Naples, Foggia, Arno and Rome, as Company Commander of the 429th Replacement Company of the 7th Replacement Depot, 5th Army.  We received, processed, reconditioned and trained troops from the U.S. and local hospitals.

On November 8th 1945, I was released from my assignment in Italy and returned to the U.S.  After several months of "Leave" I was released from active duty March 16, 1946.  Several years later, while in the Inactive Federal Reserves, Army of the U.S., I received my appointment to the Honorary Reserves."

Robert attained the rank of Captain and was awarded the American Theater Campaign Medal, Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign Medal with 2 bronze service stars, and the WWII Victory Medal.

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