World War II Honoree

Robert Delman Motes

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Palatka, Florida

Honored By

Ruby Wannell Motes

Relationship

Wife

ENLISTED AT CAMP BLANDING, FLORIDA IN 1943. TOOK BASIC TRAINING IN MACON, GEORGIA. ENTERED FOREIGN SERVICE FROM NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA GOING TO PEARL HARBOR VIA THE PANAMA CANAL. HE WAS A MACHINE GUNNER, SAW ACTION AT BIAK, SCHOUTEN ISLANDS, DUTCH NEW GUINEA. HIS DIVISION MADE 18 MAJOR AMPHIBIOUS LANDINGS AND WERE PREPARING FOR THE INVASION OF JAPAN WHEN THE ATOMIC BOMB WAS DROPPED. HE WAS AMONG THE FIRST TROOPS TO ENTER HIROSHIMA AFTER THE SURRENDER.