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NAME Robert Henry Keim |
NICKNAME Bob |
SERVICE NUMBER O-11943 |
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| UNIT VMSB-143 Pilot |
HOME OF RECORD 102 South Boulevard Richmond, VA |
NEXT OF KIN Mother, Mrs. Mary C. Keim |
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| DATE OF BIRTH October 3, 1919 at Richmond, VA |
ENTERED SERVICE June 17, 1941 (US Navy) July 25, 1942 (commissioned) |
DATE OF LOSS May 19, 1943 |
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| REGION Solomon Islands |
CAMPAIGN / AREA Kolombangara |
CASUALTY TYPE Killed In Action |
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CIRCUMSTANCES OF LOSS On 19 May 1943, Keim participated in a mine-laying mission to Villa Harbor, Kolombangara. Japanese anti-aircraft fire filled the air, and a shell struck Keim’s Avenger (TBF-1 06243). The big plane dove into the water and exploded on impact. Lieutenant Keim and his crew, PFC Donald S. Batchelor and PFC Clarence N. Goodwin, were killed instantly; no trace of their remains could be recovered. |
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| INDIVIDUAL DECORATIONS Air Medal, Purple Heart |
LAST KNOWN RANK First Lieutenant |
STATUS OF REMAINS Not recovered |
MEMORIALS Manila American Cemetery |
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Biography:
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