#VeteranoftheDay Robert Bey

Veteran of the Day graphic created by Nikki Lumbre for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Corps Veteran Robert Bey. Robert served during World War II and the Korean War from 1945 to 1970.

Robert was born in 1925 in Zanesville, Ohio. While he was growing up, Robert worked in his family’s cheese shop. He attended Zanesville High School and played as a starting offensive and defensive lineman, as well as being the captain on the football team. He was recruited by Ohio State on a football scholarship and encouraged to join the Marine platoon leader’s class where he would receive a commission upon graduating. The program was cancelled six weeks after he joined and Robert became a private in the Marine Corps in 1943. After completion of boot camp, Robert was sent to a training program known as V-12. He then attended Officer Candidates School and received his commission in 1945.

After receiving his commission, Robert was assigned to Camp Pendleton, California as an infantry platoon commander. Robert then separated from the Marine Corps and enrolled in (at) Cleveland State University and after completion, worked as a store manager for Western Auto Supply Company. In 1949, he was ordered back to active duty.

Robert served in Korea as a rifle platoon leader where he commanded 40 enlisted Marines. While on mission chasing enemy guerillas near the Demilitarized Zone, Robert’s platoon took fire on top of a hill. While Robert was making a radio call, he was shot and wounded by enemy fire for which he was awarded the Purple Heart. Robert was also awarded the Silver Star and an additional Purple Heart.

Robert continued his service until he retired in 1970 at the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Robert passed away in 2018.

We honor your service, Robert.


Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Veterans History Project

This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.


Contributors:

Graphic designer: Nikki Lumbre

Fact checker: Jordan Gossett

Editor: Kaylee Hogsed

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2 Comments

  1. Robert Bostic April 3, 2019 at 17:55

    We honor the service of World War II and Korean War Marine Corps Veteran Robert Bey.

  2. Michael JACKSON April 3, 2019 at 12:52

    This is my Father-In-Law. He was a HERO to all of us in the family. If you knew him you know what a GREAT Man he was. We think about him everyday. Wish he were still with us. RIP BOB.

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