Korea
US Army127th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 187th AirborneDivision
Service Number:
Born: February 2, 1933
Inducted:
Killedin action March 25, 1951 in Korea
Buried: Otis Cemetery
Purple Heart, Recommended for Silver Star
| Korea US Army127th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 187th AirborneDivision Service Number: Born: February 2, 1933 Inducted: Killedin action March 25, 1951 in Korea Buried: Otis Cemetery Purple Heart, Recommended for Silver Star |
Son of Andrew A. Deel of Otis
Thursday April 12, 1951 - The Akron News-Reporter
Bobby Deel, son of A. A. Deel of Otis, was killed inaction in Korea on March 25, while serving in the 187th Airborne Division. TheDeel family formerly resided north of Otis, when Bobby was a youngster.Memorial services will be held at the Otis Presbyterian Church Sunday, April22, in connection with the morning services.
April 26, 1951 - The Otis Independent
A.A. DEEL RECEIVES LETTER FROM MacARTHUR
Mr. A. A. Deel received the following letter from GeneralDouglas MacArthur, regarding the death in a Korean battle of his son BobbyDeel:
General Headquarters,
United Nations Command,
OfficeCommander-in-Chief
9, April, 1951Dear Mr. Deel:
The untimely and tragic loss of your son, Robert, who methis death on the field of battle in Korea, has shocked all of us deeply. Somemeasure of comfort may be derived from the knowledge that he died in theservice of his country and in the defense of a peace-loving people.
I am confident that his devotion to duty, at the cost ofall he held dear, will hasten the day when ruthless aggression shall disappearfrom the face of the earth and free men everywhere will live together in peaceand harmony.
Our faith enables us to withstand the shock and grief ofdeath. It is my earnest prayer that Almighty God will sustain you in this hourof trial. While the loss of your beloved one will be a hardship, we know thatno life is really lost for those who have faith in God.
Sincerely yours,
DOUGLAS MacARTHUR.A memorial service was held Sunday at the Presbyterianchurch at which a large gathering was in attendance. Several of his youthfulfriends took part in the services, conducted by Rev. W. L.Schmalhorst.
May 17, 1951 - The Otis Independent
Fine Letter Received by A. A. Deel From Son´sCommander
The following letter was received this week by Mr. A.A. Deel, from his son Robert´s commanding officer. We believe our readers will enjoy seeing what he had to say:
Vernal, Utah, 9 May 1951
Dear Mr. Deel:
Though this is not the first letter of this nature that Ihave written, it is just as difficult to compose as the first.
Your son Robert served in my platoon prior to leaving theStates, and up until the time of his death.
I have never commanded a finer, braver soldier. To servewith such a magnificent man on the field of battle, was a privilege andhonor.
On the 25th of March near Parun-ni, South Korea, Company“G” was hit by an over whelming force of enemy troops. Ourdisposition was such that we could not observe them crawling up on our rightflank. Showing complete disregard for his safety, Robert climbed to a positionwhich commanded a view of our flank, and from which he was also exposed to across-fire from enemy machine guns.
Robert was hit in the left arm immediately, but remainedin position and rained grenades down on the approaching enemy troops. Ipersonally credit his with stopping three “Banzai” attacks, andkeeping our position from being over-run.
As the third and final attack was ceasing, Robert was hitagain and instantly killed. I have never witnessed a more heroic act. If ever aman died a hero´s death, your son did that day.
It is of little compensation, but Robert has beenrecommended for the Silver Star, for gallantry in action. He gave his life thatwe might carry on. We survivors of the 2nd Platoon, will always rememberthat.
The personal effects, I felt sure you would like to have.*
If there are any questions that I have failed to answer,please feel free to write.
Sincerely and humbly yours,
EARL K. WOOLLEY
1st Lieutenant Infantry* Reference to personal affects, was to a watch and walletbelonging to Robert, which Lieutenant Woolley enclosed to Mr.Deel.
Thursday October 25, 1951 The Otis Independent