While Americans pay tribute to fallen heroes this weekend with the celebration of Memorial Day, one local
man served during two wars and in three branches of the military, and personally witnessed the death of
many others.
Robert Drake, originally of North Baltimore, served in the Navy during World War II, the Army during the
Korean War and retired as Senior Master Sergeant E-9 from the Air Force after serving with a National
Guard unit in Toledo. He narrowly escaped injury and/or death in both wars.
During World War II, Drake recalled the most frightening time during all his years of service. He was
serving on a gunboat in July 1943 during the invasion of Rendova Island, in the Solomon Islands east of
Papua New Guinea. From his post, Drake could look into the sky and see 16 Japanese bombers flying over
as he witnessed an endless barrage of bombs being dropped on their location.
“I just watched all those bombs coming down all through the harbor,” Drake said.
Other ships were hit and sunk but, fortunately for Drake, his boat was not among them. Reports indicate
Americans shot down 12 of those 16 bombers. That was the last major attack by the Japanese in the
Solomon Islands after the Japanese lost 84 of their original 100 bombers before the attack made it to
Rendova.
Drake also recalls the boat having to shut down at night as they were unable to see the mines placed in
the harbor and seas they travelled.
“In the daytime, we could see and avoid them,” Drake recalled.
Drake’s other close call was in Korea when his unit was doing reconnaissance behind enemy lines.
“We were looking for anything they could use against us,” Drake remembers.
They became encircled by the Korean forces.
“I got shot at a few times, but they missed me,” Drake said.
He helped his patrol return safely to their unit using what he called “escape and invasion tactics.” For
that mission and his efforts he was awarded the Bronze Star.
Drake explained how he began his service.
His brother, Wilbur, was serving in Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked in 1941. Robert Drake
desperately wanted to join the Navy to “go save my brother.” The family later learned the brother was
fine.
Although Drake was not old enough to enlist at the time, he was able to join the Navy in 1942. He was on
board when the USS LCI(L)-330 was commissioned. The Landing Craft Infantry (Large) ship with Drake and
his fellow crew members was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.
After his service he spent three or four years as a civilian; however with times at home tough
financially, Drake recalled seeing an iconic “Uncle Sam wants YOU” sign and designed to re-enlist in
March 1950. This time it was the Army and though he had training and was assigned to a non-combat unit,
the Army needed troops in Korea, so Drake said, “They put us all in the infantry.”
Following his Army service he made a career with Ohio Air National Guard’s 180th Fighter Group base at
Toledo International Airport. In that role he had both civilian and military duties with the Air Force.
He was called up for active duty during the Blizzard of 1978. He was also pressed into service anytime
the U.S. president would land at the airport. In that role, he worked at the direction of the U.S.
Secret Service to guard Air Force One. He also met two presidents, the senior George Bush and Gerald
Ford.
His Air Force discharge was in July 1982.
He later served a brief stint with the Bowling Green Police and as the Village of Portage’s chief of
police, giving him five different uniforms worn.
Despite the harrowing experiences, tense times and obvious peril, Drake said, “I had a good time wherever
I went.”
Throughout the various job titles and uniforms worn, the one title which has been consistent is his role
as husband to his bride of 68 years, Norma.
The couple are still happily married and living in their Bowling Green apartment.
His wife recalls many adventures with their family growing up, especially with their five sons and two
daughters. She is also very proud of their 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Because Drake joined the Navy before graduation, North Baltimore honored him in 2004 with a diploma
including a T-shirt and a tassel.
Last Sunday the family hosted a party to celebrate his 90th birthday. Though his short-term memory is no
longer as sharp as it once was, Drake’s memories of his war service is still very detailed and sharp.