Robert enlisted in Feb. 1941, in Newton, KS. He first served with the Army, Company B, 137th Infantry, then transferred to the 164th Infantry. He was on a transport ship with the Army when the opportunity arose to transfer to the Marines. He did and was part of combats in Guadalcanal with the First Marine Division. He was wounded in combat, and treated in the field. He also served in New Hebrides and New Zealand before his medical discharge in July 1943.