Robert W. Freeman

Era: World War II

Military Branch: Navy

Robert W. Freeman entered the Navy on Dec. 18, 1942 and completed boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Academy.

He then went on to Armed Guard gunnery school in Little Creek, Virginia.

Freeman boarded the USS Yorktown on March 1, 1943 which was commisioned on April 15, 1943.

It was here he served as a Seaman 1st Class and a gun director in the Pacific Theater.

"We went on shakedown cruises in the Atlantic to South America and other areas, then through the Panama Canal and into the Pacific where we hit Marcus Island first and then continued with all major battles in the S.W. Pacific. As a result of our battles the Yorktown became known as "The Fighting Lady." We were hit a few times, but never disabled."

He was separated on Feb. 11, 1946.

Source: Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 84.