Robert Oscar Kaiser
Robert Oscar Kaiser was born 6-Jan 1921 in University City, St Louis County, Missouri. His father was Oscar Emil Henry Kaiser (1894–1977) and his mother was Lisette Elizabeth Burger Kaiser (1897–1970). He had two brothers: Eugene and Donnell and one half-brother Franz. He attended Normandy High school and played in the band. He was a senior in 1936.
He enlisted in the US Navy on 11-Aug 1939. He was a Fireman 1c. His service number was 3371703. Robert was mustered aboard the USS Arizona.
On December 6, 1941, the Arizona returned to its base at Pearl Harbor. The next morning, at approximately 7:55 AM, Japan launched a surprise attack on the naval base. For nearly two hours, more than 350 Japanese aircraft—which included torpedo planes, bombers, and fighters—dropped bombs on U.S. vessels. At approximately 8:10 AM, the Arizona was struck by a 1,760-pound (800-kg) projectile. The impact caused munitions and fuels to ignite, creating a massive explosion that reportedly lifted the battleship out of the water. As it sank, the ship was struck by more bombs. In addition, some claimed that the Arizona was also hit by torpedoes, though no evidence was found to support that assertion. While 334 crew members survived, the death toll on the Arizona was 1,177 and remain entombed on the ship today.
During his service in World War II, Navy enlisted man Robert O. Kaiser was reported missing and ultimately declared dead on 7-Dec 1941. Robert Oscar Kaiser is buried or memorialized at Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii. This is an American Battle Monuments Commission location.
Robert for eligible for the following medals and commendations:
- Purple Heart
- Combat Action Ribbon
- World War II Victory Medal
- American Campaign Medal
- Navy Presidential Unit Citation
- Navy Good Conduct Medal
- Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
- Navy Expeditionary Medal
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