This is the official VIC 4 VETS Honor Roll, highlighting our Honored Veterans

SUBMITTED BY: Barbara Vincent

Hi Ken,

My Vic for Vets submission is attached.  If chosen, can you let me know a couple days before so I can inform family members?
Love that you and Vic honor our veterans.  
Thanks,
Barb

I would like to honor my father, Robert Lee Vincent Sr.  He was born in Kirkwood MO in 1925.

Dad quit high school to join the Navy during World War II.  He entered active service in December 1943 and became a Pharmacist’s Mate 3rd class.  Dad arrived in the Pacific theater on the USS Saratoga.  Destination: the island of Okinawa.  He would be attached to a marine unit field hospital on the island.

The U.S. bombed and shelled the island 24 hours a day.  Alternating between battleships that would shell for 20-30 minutes and then planes would bomb for 20-30 minutes.  Back and forth it went.  Sometime during this onslaught, the marines were loaded onto landing craft like those used on D-day.

Dad said you had better run or get run over. And find a place to take cover from the enemy machine gun fire.  The command soon realized they had not softened the machine gun nests enough, so they stopped the landings. However, Dad was already on the island.  He took cover in an overturned car that was on the beach.  He was in that car for about a week listening to the bombardment and feeling the earth shake during the non-stop shelling and bombing. 

At one time during the war while moving on foot toward a destination a shot rang out.  Dad was hit by a Japanese sniper.  He was shot just above the knee and recovered. His buddy found that sniper, killed him and gave the Japanese rifle to Dad.  That rifle is a family heirloom to this day. 

The island experienced at least 2 typhoons while Dad was there.  He had to pull guard duty during one.   He was told to wrap his arms and legs around a small palm tree and ride it out.  A small palm tree was better, as the larger ones could blow over in the storm.  In September 1945 another typhoon hit the island.  Dad participated in the transport of 250 patients to a safe location without any casualties. 

During his time on Okinawa, he also served as a driver for the commander in charge.  Dad was responsible for the safety of the commander.  When transporting the commander, he had to have a pistol with extra clips and carry a Thompson machine gun.  One time Dad had to drive the commander to and from a drinking party.  When returning to the base, the inebriated commander refused to show his military ID to the gate guards.  When the guards refused entry, the commander told Robert to just shoot them.   Dad had to step in and diffuse the situation.  Who knew he was such a diplomat.  The following day the commander apologized to Dad and thanked him for peacefully resolving the situation.

Dad was honorably discharged from the navy in May 1946.  He received the Victory medal and the purple heart for his wound.

After the war Robert returned home to Missouri.  In 1951 he married Eleanor Winkler moved to Ellisville where they raised 8 children.  He became a small business owner.  Robert died in 1984 leaving a legacy as part of the “greatest generation” as well as a large family that will not forget the sacrifices he made for our nation and our freedom.  We all miss you. Rest in peace Dad!!

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