Robert Lester Mundschenk

Robert Mundschenk Dies of Wounds

Four telegrams brought sad news to four Niobrara County families this week, as word was received from the War Department that one boy was killed in action, one was wounded, and two reported missing in action.

Mr. and Mrs. George John Mundschenk of Keeline received the following telegram from Vice Admiral Randall Jacobs, chief of Navy Personnel:

"I deeply regret to inform you that your son, Robert Lester Mundschenk, water tender, second class, died of wounds 30 July, 1945, following action in the service of this country.

"When further details include information as to burial are received, you will be informed."

It was not learned as yet where he was killed nor the circumstances of his death.

The Lusk Herald, April 21, 1949

Robt. Mundschenk Body Laid to Rest At Ft. McPherson

Water Tender 2nd Class Robert L. Mundschenk, son of Mr. and Mrs. George J. Mundschenk of Manville, was one of the six repatriated World War II Servicemen to be buried in Fort McPherson National Cemetery, near North Platte, Neb., on Tuesday, April 12.

The casket bearers were composed of the sailor's brothers and half brothers. They were Clarence, Paul, James and Harold Mundschenk and Duane and Carrol Lull. The parents also attended the services. Full military honors were accorded the men as each was laid to rest.

Robert L. Mundschenk was born at Albion, Neb., June 6, 1924, and when a small child moved with his family to a place south of Van Tassell and later to Manville.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August of 1942 and served for three years, and then just before the close of the war he was killed at Okinawa on July 30, 1945.

His remains were among those of many of the servicemen who gave their lives for our country and recently were brought home for their final resting place.

Additional information from Richard Tourangeau, Ranger, Boston National Historical Park, Charlestown, MA:

US Navyman Robert Lester Mundschenk was killed on July 30, 1945, when a kamikaze hit his destroyer (USS Cassin Young) off the Phillippines. Twenty-two sailors were killed that morning in the explosion. The Cassin Young is now docked as a Museum ship at the Charlestown Navy Yard across the river from Boston, MA. The National Park Service cares for the ship. The virtual tour may be found on Boston National Historical Park, USS Cassin Young eTour The videos play in Safari and Internet Explorer browsers, however, in Chrome only the audio plays, and in Firefox, a corrupt file error appears, because the video files will not work in Firefox.

Further information on the memorial at Keeline, Wyoming, may be found in this Casper Star Tribune feature article, Etched in Stone.

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