Robert Francis Huss was born on August 28, 1927 to Harry and Catherine Huss. The family lived at 725 S. Walnut St. in West Chester, Pennsylvania. His father owned Harry’s Barber Shop in the basement of Turks Head Inn (located on the NE corner Market and High Streets.) Robert was the oldest of 5 children: Robert, John, Barbara, Sandra, and Carolyn.

Robert attended West Chester Schools, but left school while in the 8^th grade, and obtained employment at the A&P grocery store on the 300 West Market St. He was known as good hearted and quiet youth.

Robert enlisted in the Navy May 13, 1944. He desired to join to defend his country, he fibbed about his age – he was only 16. Robert received basic training at the Naval Training Center in Bainbridge, Maryland, which he completed June 2, 1944.

Robert was assigned to the Destroyer USS Chevlier DD-805 – a Gearing Class Destroyer. The Chevlier was commissioned in January 1945, and Robert was a "Plank Owner", which means that he was a member of the original crew. He received a promotion to Seaman First Class. Robert was assigned as a gunner’s mate– one who operates and maintains the guns – although he did not receive the official gunners mate rating (which would not occur until he received an additional promotion to Petty Officer).

After the required training, the Chevlier transited the Panama Canal arriving at Pearl Harbor in early July. The ship participated in bombarding the Japanese held Wake Island, and then headed west to joining Task Force 38 under Admiral "Bull" Halsey in August. The ship entered Tokyo Bay with the fleet on August 26^th.

Robert liked service in the Navy, but the Navy was downsizing and discharging thousands of sailors. Robert received an Honorable Discharge from the Navy on May 26, 1946 with the rank of Seaman First Class. He received the Pacific Theater Ribbon with one star, the American Theater Ribbon and the Victory Medal.

Seeking to continue his service to his Country, Robert was able to enlist in the Army in 1947. After basic training he was sent to Vienna, Austria with the 532^nd Signal Service Company for his first tour of duty. After completion of his tour, Robert was sent home to Fort Benning Georgia, where he was assigned to Company H of the 30^th Infantry Regiment, and promoted to Corporal. In July Robert was sent to Camp Stoneman California assigned to Company F Replacement Battalion. In August Robert was sent to Korea and assigned to Headquarters Company, 1^st Battalion of the 19^th Infantry Division.

Robert was in the midst of heavy fighting and was reported missing on November 8, 1950. He was captured and held as Prison of War. Sergeant Robert Huss died on March 19, 1951 from dysentery in a North Korean Prison Camp, but his family was not notified of his death until July 1953. His body was returned to the states in 1955. A funeral with full military honors was held at Baltimore National Cemetery on April 6^th.

Robert's Insignia

USS Chevalier

Images from Robert's tour of duty.

Click on each image to see a larger picture. Click your browser's BACK button to return.

USS Chevalier, WWII Tour of Duty Map

Return to Top