Robert initially served in the Marines but got 'kicked out because his teeth weren't good enough'. He then enlisted in the Army and was assigned to a barrage balloon unit and - from there- applying for the Aviation Cadet program. He arrived in England on D-Day and completed his tour with the Group in March 1945 and was credited with 2 'kills'. His brother was with the ground forces and Robert and a couple of friends visited the front line where they 'liberated' two German army motor cycles while trying to locate him.