Captain Robert Bond Lander Photo Album Market Find

[manayunkman]

Capt. Landers belongings have been scattered to the 4 winds. All that was left were these ribbons and photo album. Though they came together I do not think that the ribbons are Lander's.

 

As Torpedo and Gunnery Officer of USS S-37, during February 2-20, 1942, Lander was awarded the SS for his efforts in sinking a Japanese destroyer and evading " strong enemy counter measures ".

 

He later commanded 2 of his own subs before the war was over.

[manayunkman]

Close up of ribbons and Lander's rack.

[manayunkman]

Caption on the back of this photo reads :

 

" Battle flag on USS Ronquil with Lt. Commander Lander ".

 

Also known as " Tex " Lander.

[manayunkman]

Some more pics from the album. Anyone know who the Admirals are ?

[manayunkman]

" Tex " Lander graduated from Annapolis in 1937. Notice his graduation ring.

[manayunkman]

Here is a cake that was made to celebrate the sinking of a Japanese ship.

 

Lander eventually became the USS Joseph Kennedy DD-850. He is seen on board shaking the hand of one of the men.

 

There is also another photo of Lander's sub with members of the crew and a foreign visitor.

[Jack's Son]

Looks like a nice history to unfold with all of the pictures and some research...good luck!

[Hessian]

Submariner groupings are always great. Congrats on a nice score!!!

[R Michael]

WOW, some great history there! IMO Submariner albums are on the rare side so good pickup!

 

Mike

[easterneagle87]

Some more pics from the album. Anyone know who the Admirals are ?

 

In the second pic, isn't that Nimitz?

[eagle5036]

Great WWII US Submarine grouping!

[Kurt Barickman]

USN subs, great group!

 

Kurt Barickman

[manayunkman]

Looks like a nice history to unfold with all of the pictures and some research...good luck!

 

JS,

 

You are right. With a little searching I was able to find out quite a bit about Tex.

 

He served under MOH recipient Fluckey, on the USS Barb, who took Tex out on his qualifying patrol to see if he was worthy of being a sub commander. Fluckey gave Tex the honor of giving the death blow to the Japanese Raider Gokoku. It actually was all part of the test that Flucky put him through. At 1,400 yards Tex put a fish into the middle of Gokoku and she rolled over and sank. Test passed.

 

Tex was loved by his men and as one of his CPO's said " He is the type of guy you want to work hard for. Not many officers like him "

[manayunkman]

In for sale section.

[Guest Ronquil]

Commanding Officer Robert "TEX" Landers attended several of the RONQUIL Crew's Annual Reunions before he departed on "ETERNAL PATROL" in 2004. I had the privilege of having several long conversations at our Reunions. Could you email me some jpg. files of "your find". I would like to add the pics to our RONQUIL Crew's website. DIESEL BOATS FOREVER

[Momof3Va]

Hi,

 

I am one of Tex's nieces. He was married to my mom's older sister, whose name I also share. In your 2nd post you have a picture of items that include what might be a driver's license or I.D. card of my aunt. Also under some ribbons is a family picture taken outside my grandfather's house that is probably my mom, her sister (Tex's wife) and my grandfather. I have a copy of Tex's large Captain's photo in your 1st post and I have Tex's Naval Academy graduation ring. If you still have the pictures, and any others, would it be possible to get copies of them? My email is beecherrg@aol.com. Thank you, Miriam Baker Beecher

[manayunkman]

I’m sorry but this group was sold soon after it’s posting. 
 

I no longer remember who got it but you are more than welcome to screenshot any of my pictures and save them.

 

There is a remote chance the person who is caring for it now comes forward.

 

 

On 3/12/2026 at 1:00 PM, Momof3Va said:

Hi,

 

I am one of Tex's nieces. He was married to my mom's older sister, whose name I also share. In your 2nd post you have a picture of items that include what might be a driver's license or I.D. card of my aunt. Also under some ribbons is a family picture taken outside my grandfather's house that is probably my mom, her sister (Tex's wife) and my grandfather. I have a copy of Tex's large Captain's photo in your 1st post and I have Tex's Naval Academy graduation ring. If you still have the pictures, and any others, would it be possible to get copies of them? My email is beecherrg@aol.com. Thank you, Miriam Baker Beecher

 

[R Leonard]

Just a small bit of pedantry - - -

Midshipman purchase their rings and receive them with much pomp and ceremony in their 2d Class year  (that's junior year at a civilian college).  The rings are Class Rings, not graduation rings. I have my father's USNA 1938 class ring.