Robert Blythe 1925-1944

BLYTHE, MALLIE

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 3/9/2021 at 06:52:30

31 August 1944 - The Anamosa Journal

Jones county war casualties were boosted to a total of 16 this week when Mr. and Mrs. Levi Blythe, Martelle, received word from the Navy department that their son, Robert Alvin Blythe, died while in performance of his duty in the service of his country.

Word received by Mr. and Mrs. Blythe from Vice Admiral Randall Jacobs, Chief of Naval Personnel, was as follows:
"The Navy Department deeply regrets to inform you of the death of your son, Robert Alvin Blythe, Ship Cook Third Class, U.S.N.R., on Aug. 21, 1944, as a result of third degree multiple burns while in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country.
"No information is available at present in regard to disposition of remains, but by reason of existing conditions, burial at sea or in locality of death highly probable.
"When further details are received they will be forwarded to you promptly. To prevent possible aid to our enemys, please do not divulge the name of his ship or station.
"The Navy Department extends to you its sincerest sympathy in your great loss."

Robert Alvin Blythe, 19, was May 18, 1925, at Hale, Iowa. He attended rural schools in that community until 1937 when the family moved to Martelle, where he completed his high school course.

He enlisted in the Seabees, and was called for induction May 7, a week before his high school commencement exercises. He took boot training at Camp Peary, Va., and advanced training at Port Hueneme, Calif. He was sent overseas Dec. 10, 1943, and has been stationed somewhere in the Solomon Islands.

Surviving besides his parents are two brothers, John Paul and James, and three sisters, Mrs. Edward Mallie, Betty and Shirley, all of Martelle.

Robert was a member of the Hale Methodist church.