WWII USMC FMF-PAC Tractor Battalion

[Patrick_Neanover]

Robert James Bob Akenhead

 

Born: September 11th, 1925

Past away: March 1st, 2011 at the age of 85

Birthplace: Rochester, Minnesota

Death place: Sun City, Arizona

 

Before the war Robert was a truck driver hauling milk for the Rochester Dairy Co. consisting of day driving and night driving including up to 220 miles round trip drives, which was a lot back then. Once the War started he would enlist into the Marines on August 30th, 1943 at the age of 17 with his parents permission. Off to basic Robert would go for with the 10th Recruit Battalion in San Diego; he would become a Amphibious Tractor crewman/driver. And he would join the Amphibious Tractor Battalion 22nd Marines on November 17th, 1943. February 28th 1944 he would be transferred to 11th amphibious tractor battalion 5th amphibious corps. October 19th, 1944 transferred to 10th Amphibious Tractor Battalion Company A. Robert would participate in the battles of Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima.

 

Roberts obituary:

Bob served in the United States Marine Corp, Fourth Division, during World War II and participated in the first wave on Saipan, Marianas Islands, Tinian, Iwo Jima, and Volcano Island. He married his high school sweetheart, Betty Ann Peterson, in Rochester, almost 65 years ago on June 17, 1946, and then moved to Northern California. Bob and Betty were world travelers who always were ready for a new adventure and new acquaintances. Bob retired from the San Francisco Air Pollution District in 1980 and they relocated to their beloved Sun City, Ariz.

 

He enjoyed many activities within the community and was active in the Sun City Travel Trailer Club. He was a certified mediation counselor for the Arizona Attorney Generals Community Relations Unit-Mediation group and was award their 1988 Volunteer of the Year award. Many visitors to Sun City may remember Bobs ever present smile as he worked as a volunteer at the Visitors Center. In later years, he was especially proud of his involvement in the Grand Canyon Chapter #33 of the 4th Marine Division Association. Bob will be remembered for the strength of his character and his always present humor.

 

Pictures below show his uniform and pictures from his files showing what he looked like and where he has been and what battles he participated in.

 

Thank you for you service Robert Akenhead

[Patrick_Neanover]

Participated battles

[katieony]

Nice uniform with great history. Thank you for sharing his story.

 

Mike