To some he was a brother, a husband, a son or a grandson, but to all of us who have survived him, He will forever be a hero. He served our country and helped to keep us free, even though it meant sacrificing his own life and for that we should all be thankful.

Robert R. Birge was born on November 11, 1922 in Marshfield, Wisconsin to Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Birge. He had one brother, Willam Birge, who was a first class petty officer in the U.S Navy. Robert attended Lincoln, Washington, and Willard D. Purdy schools before attending Marshfield High School. He was a part of the graduating class of 1940. After high school, he went on to study at Ripon College. After finishing college, Robert planned to enter a seminary. He was very involved in his church, and he had been recommended for the ministry by the local congregation. Also, he served many terms as district treasurer of the youth organization.

In 1942, his junior year, he entered military service. He then reported for active duty in May of the same year. After finishing officer training school in Fort Benning, Georgia he received his second lieutenant's commission on May 23, 1944. Three days after, on the 26th on May, he married Ruth Konow. After his marriage took place, Robert was assigned to Camp McCoy. Six months later in November, he was sent overseas. On the 2nd of February, his parents received a telegram from a War Department informing them that Robert had been seriously injured in Germany. He passed away on February 22nd from the wounds he had suffered. At the time of his death, Robert had been a first lieutenant and only 22 years of age.

Those who survived him included his wife; his parents; his brother; and his grandparents. The first memorial service was conducted at the Congregational Church in Ripon on Sunday March 18th. The next was held at Zion Evangelical Church in Marshfield. This was the first memorial service held there for a World War II casualty. Robert had been of the congregation before his death.

Written by an East Junior High Student, Wisconsin Rapids, WI