World War II Honoree

Robert S. Bastraw

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Laconia, New Hampshire

Honored By

Virginia Filgate

Relationship

Sister

SERVED IN THE 82ND AIRBORNE AS A PARATROOPER IN TURKEY, FRANCE, GERMANY. TWENTY YEARS OF SERVICE. JEEP DRIVER FOR LIEUTENANT PENDERGAST; SAVED HIM FROM GERMAN TANK ATTACK. ONE OF FOUR WHO MET THE RUSSIANS PUSHING THEIR TROOPS THROUGH AMERICAN LINES ON THEIR WAY BACK TO RUSSIA AFTER WAR ENDED. WITNESSED GENERAL GAVIN AND THE GERMAN GENERAL SIGN PEACE ACCORD. RECEIVED THE PURPLE HEART, TWO BRONZE STARS AND PRESIDENTIAL CITATIONS, AMONG OTHERS.