Robert Marechal
U.S. Navy WWII POW
Sept 1927-Mar 1958

 

Robert Marechal wearing his Navy uniform next to his wife, Leona

 

Robert Marechal years later on Christmas sitting on a couch in front of the tree

 

Robert "Bob" Marechal was born July 28, 1909 in Paris, France to Jan Antonino Marechal (Died WWI 1914) and Louise Chenot. Bob came to the United States on October 4, 1921 and became a naturalized citizen on December 5, 1936. Bob was married September 19, 1936 in Cedar Rapids Iowa to Leona C. Newhouse. Bob and Leona had no children.

Bob joined the Navy September 7, 1927 in San Francisco, California. He was Chief Boatswain's mate on the U.S. Langley in the Southwest Pacific Theater: Philippine Islands. Bob was a Prisoner of War from May 6, 1942 until August 20, 1945 at Tokyo POW Camp (Shinjuku) Tokyo Bay Area 35-140. His many medals include the Purple Heart and Prisoner of war medals.

Bob was brought to Iowa City from his home in San Diego when he became ill to be closer to his sister in law and nephew. He passed away on November 18, 1992 in Des Moines Hospital. His body was donated per his wishes and he is buried in Riverside, Iowa with his sister in law and her husband.

Medals earned: Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal with three stars, Presidential Unit Citation, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one star, American Defense Service Medal with one star, Victory Medal WWII, National Defense Service Medal, Philippines Defense Ribbon with one star, and Army Distinguished Service Badge with two stars.

 

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