World War II Honoree

Robert A. Helle

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

St. Louis, Missouri

Honored By

Gloria Sparks

Relationship

Sister

Joined the service in 1942 at age 17. Served in the European Theatre; Normandy Invasion. Became a hero as a flame thrower -- by himself, he saved his unit which had been pinned down; six other flame throwers and partners died, including his partner. The Army had him on national radio from Europe to talk about how he saved his unit. His photograph was in national newspapers. As a reward he received a 3-day pass to Paris. Served as an engineer for the remainder of the war.