GROVE CITY, Pa. (Tribune News Service) — A World War II pilot and longtime Grove City resident celebrated his 100th birthday last week at Grove Manor Nursing Home.
Robert “Bob” Robson was born in Grove City in 1924 and has lived here all his life. His birthday was spent with his family, friends and former neighbors from before he moved into the assisted living center.
Robson’s time in the military began in 1943 in the Cadet Aviation Corps. He served until 1946. During his time he had many responsibilities including training and transporting paratroopers and hauling the medical evacuation.
“He would tell me with perfect clarity about all the aircraft. Very specific stuff from so long ago. It wasn’t just his aircraft, he knew something about all of them,” Robson’s former neighbor Keith Flowers said during Tuesday’s party. “He would tell me stories too. He flew over Yugoslavia while Tito was in power.”
Outside of the military, Robson had an apprenticeship that he began in 1942 and finished in 1947. He worked in the locomotive industry.
While he was in the military he also met the love of his life, Doris.
“It’s my favorite story of his,” former neighbor Allison Flowers said. “It started when he first went to an international country. He sent out letters to a variety of people just hoping to get someone to talk to.”
When Robson sent those letters, he did not get any responses initially. He thought no one responded. Three months later the delivery came. Turns out the letters were backloaded. Doris had sent 14 letters to Robson to try and talk to him. He knew from then on she was the one for him.
Doris was in the Navy at the same time. They were married on Dec. 22, 1945. She passed away in 2010.
They had two sons, Robert Robson Jr. and William Robson. Bob currently has plenty of grandkids.
His party was filled with friends talking, cake and ice cream. Robson was in good health telling stories of his past. At the end, the day had tired him out.
“I’m about ready to go lie down now,” Robson said. “But it’s great to have everyone come together for this.”
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