World War II Honoree

Robert J. Voke

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Anderson, Indiana

Honored By

James R. Clouse, Jr.

Relationship

Cousin

SERGEANT. SURVIVED THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE AND BASTOGNE DECEMBER 19-26, 1944. SQUAD LEADER OF COMPANY I OF THE 112TH REGIMENT OF THE 28TH INFANTRY DIVISION. HE CARRIED A BAR (A 22 POUND BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE). COMPANY I WAS A PART OF THE 'THIN HOLDING LINE' DURING THE BREAKOUT BETWEEN THE GERMAN PINCERS. THE GERMAN TANKS WERE LESS THAN 26 MILES BEHIND AND ON EITHER SIDE OF THE COMPANY. ONCE AFTER THE BREAKOUT AND DURING THE MOPPING UP OPERATIONS IN THE ALSACE-LORRAINE AREA, HE CARRIED AN ANTI-TANK WEAPON, A BAZOOKA. HE WAS PART OF THE 'STRATEGIC WITHDRAWAL' GROUP THAT FOOTED IT BACK 250 MILES IN 10 DAYS TO LIEGE, BELGIUM WHERE HE AND OTHERS, HAD THEIR FIRST WARM MEAL IN 10 DAYS; CHRISTMAS DINNER.