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| Captain Robert Turnbull served with the 3rd Marine Division on Bougainville. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/24531336/robert-benjamin-turnbull https://www.ebay.ie/itm/Original-Early-WW2-Felt-USMC-Marine-Corps-3rd-Marine-Division-Uniform-Patch-/201748661012 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_for_Piva_Trail |
Robert Benjamin Turnbull never had a chance to reach 100 years old today. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.
He was born on July 23, 1918 in Virginia. His parents Charles and Edna were also both born in Virginia. His father worked as a traveling salesman and died in 1933. Robert had an older brother and sister.
He enlisted in the US Marines in January 1941. He reached the rank of captain and served as the executive officer in Company L, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.
The 3rd MD first saw action in Bougainville in November 1943. It would be engaged in 27 days of continuous action. Fighting was especially intense during the Battle of Piva Forks (Nov 22-26). Captain Turnbull was killed in action on November 24, 1943. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.
Cpt.Turnbull's Navy Cross citation reads as follows:
When his company was delayed on the left flank by strong enemy resistance during the furious battle waged at Piva Forks, Captain Turnbull personally reconnoitered the hazardous area, locating two heavily fortified, deeply entrenched machine-gun emplacements. Immediately leading a detachment in a flanking movement, he closed in on the first of the two deadly weapons and, hurling powerful hand grenades, succeeded in annihilating the position.
Unable to approach the second installation, he fearlessly exposed himself to the clear view of the Japanese, boldly attracting their merciless, concentrated fire to himself as his automatic riflemen advanced unnoticed to launch a sudden attack and destroy the second machine gun, thereby releasing the left flank from siege and enabling the company to continue the relentless drive against a fanatic and ruthless enemy.
Fatally struck down during the fierce action, Captain Turnbull, by his brilliant leadership, expert tactical skill and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of savage, unceasing opposition, contributed essentially to the success of his regiment in annihilating an entire Japanese regiment and to the ultimate conquest of this vital enemy stronghold.
His great personal valor and decisive conduct throughout a period of bitter hostilities reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Thank you Cpt. Turnbull for your sacrifice. Let's Earn It for Robert.
PEE WEE REESE
Also bon on the same day as Captain Turnbull was Baseball Hall of Fame shortstop Pee Wee Reese, who played for the Brooklyn and LA Dodgers. After playing in the 1940-1942 seasons, Reese enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Pacific until the end of the war.
He was instrumental in promoting acceptance of Jackie Robinson as the first black player in the Major Leagues. He played until 1958 and died in 1999.
Last year on this date I profiled James Elvington, 4th Marine Division, who fought on Iwo Jima. You can read about James here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Follow on Twitter @ww2fallen100
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
Only five other men from the 3rd Marine Regiment were award the Navy Cross during World War 2.
His grave is at Oakwood Cemetery in Lawrenceville, Virginia.
PEE WEE REESE
Also bon on the same day as Captain Turnbull was Baseball Hall of Fame shortstop Pee Wee Reese, who played for the Brooklyn and LA Dodgers. After playing in the 1940-1942 seasons, Reese enlisted in the US Navy and served in the Pacific until the end of the war.
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| Navy sailors Pee Wee Reese, Phil Rizuto, and Hugh Casey, all MLB players. http://www.pugetsoundnavymuseum.org/navy-baseball-in-wwii/pee-wee-reese-phil-rizzuto-hugh-casey-navy-1/ |
Last year on this date I profiled James Elvington, 4th Marine Division, who fought on Iwo Jima. You can read about James here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
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