In Memory of
Army Second Lieutenant
Robert E. Knorr
Marion, South Dakota
Turner County
April 15, 1917 – April 26, 1945
Killed in Action at Cebut, Philippine Islands

Robert E. Knorr was born in Alberta, Canada, on April 15, 1917.  He was the only child of Herman and Lilly Knorr.  At age 17 he moved to Marion to live with his uncle and aunt Mr. and Mrs. Otto Knorr.

Robert graduated from Marion High School in the spring of 1936.  In September of that same year, he entered Brookings College of Pharmacy, which he graduated from in June of 1941 after he passed the state board of examination test.  Robert became a registered pharmacist in July of 1941.

On May 7, 1945, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Knorr received news about Army Second Lieutenant Robert E. Knorr’s death from his commanding officer.  The letter did not state the date of the death or any of the circumstances surrounding the death.  The last letter received from Lt. Knorr was dated April 7 in the Philippines and remarked that he might be unable to write for a while.

The family of Lt. Robert E. Knorr received the following letter from John Juszkiewicz, a friend of Lt. Knorr’s from the war:

Your letter just arrived as it was redirected from the Pacific to my home.  I am deeply sorry
about the delay, but my time was overdue and having points above the critical score I was
returned to God’s country for discharge from the army.  That is the reason and please believe
it wasn’t through my neglect.  You have showed your patience and fortitude, and I wouldn’t  
keep you waiting for the world.

As to the loss of your nephew, I was not present at the time but all my curiosity has brought me
was this:  your nephew Robert was killed in action while engaging the enemy on the Island of
Cebut, Philippine Islands.  After a few major engagements (in which your nephew proved
himself), they drove the enemy to the north and in the process of annihilation scattered
resistance.  He was killed by enemy fire.  As much of a loss as he was to you, he also was to us
and to the men he led into battle, because all his men loved him and looked to him for
leadership.  They knew him better then I because our friendship was cut short by orders for
him to go to the front.

It was his wish I wouldn’t mention combat in the letter I wrote for him, as he didn’t want to
worry his people and you.  As to the date I don’t know exactly; I may find out later after
censorship slackens, but I’m sure the War Department can inform you of the time and day. 
They may do so eventually if they haven’t done so already.  That is all I know.  If I can be of
any more help please do not hesitate, as I would be only too glad to ease any discomforts you
have.

Believe me, this hasn’t been easy and I tried my best to spare you any pain so if I haven’t
written it just right, please forgive me as I never wrote a letter like this before.  Thank God he
died instantly and did not suffer as so many have suffered in this war.  Your nephew gave his
life in a heroic way for our country.  Heavy is your sorrow but please feel pride as his men and
I feel we have known and fought with a real man.  With that I will close and wish you the best
of luck and health. 

Robert E. Knorr was a great soldier.  He gave his life for his country.  We will always remember him as a great soldier who sacrificed his life for the United States.

This entry was respectfully submitted by Brian Dubbelde, 11^th Grade, Parker High School, Parker, South Dakota, April 30, 2002.  Information for this entry was provided by newspaper clippings.