T/Sgt. Robert Bruce Bierman was born on November 17, 1924, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Louis W. Bierman and Alma I. Belz-Bierman. With his parents and brother, he lived at 142 South 16th Avenue, Maywood, Illinois. He attended St. Paul Lutheran School and Proviso Township High School as a member of the graduating class of 1943. On December 26, 1942, he registered with Selective Service and named his father as his contact person.
Robert enlisted in the US Army on June 14, 1943, and issued the serial number 36, 536, 666. It is known he trained at Camp Cullen, Texas, and Camp Butler, North Carolina, where he was assigned to G Company, 134th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Division, 3rd Army. During this time, he rose in rank to Technical Sergeant which meant he had received specialized training, but it is not known what this training was. The 35th arrived in England on May 25, 1944, and it landed in Normandy on from July 5th to 7th. It’s first combat took place on July 11th when it was involved in hedgerow fighting in the vicinity of St. Lo. By August 2nd the unit has pushed the German Army back to across the Vire River in Normandy. From August 7th to 13th, helping American forces to break out of the Cotentin Peninsula. The 35th next took part in the battle to secure the Mortain-Avranches. It is known Robert was wounded several times.
The 35th quickly moved across France, through Orleans and Sens, and fought in battle for Moselle on September 13th, captured Nancy on the 15th, and secured Chambrey on the October 1st. From there, the 35th drove on the German border and crossed the Saar River into western Germany on December 5th. The unit crossed the Blies River on December 12th. It was pulled off the battleline and moved to Metz, Germany, for rest and relaxation.
While the unit was on rest and relaxation, the Germans launched a counter-offensive that became known as the Battle of the Bulge. The unit was called back into action to relieve Bastogne, Belgium. At Arlon, Belgium, the unit successfully stopped four German divisions sent against it. On December 30, 1944, in the vicinity of Lutrebois, Belgium, south of Bastogne, Robert was hit by fire from a German sniper and died instantly. He was buried at what was referred to as the United States Military Cemetery #1, in Foy, Belgium, in a shelter half because caskets were not available,
During this time, since the situation was precarious, Robert was listed Missing on Action from December 30, 1944. His parents were sent a telegram.
MRS ALMA BIERMAN
142 16TH STREET
MAYWOOD ILLINOIS
THE SECRETARY OF OF WAR DESIRES ME TO EXPRESS HIS DEEP REGRET THAT YOUR SON TECHNICAL SERGEANT ROBERT B BIERMAN HAS BEEN REPORTED MISSING IN ACTION 30 DECEMBER IN BELGIUM IF FURTHER DETAILS OF INFORMATION IS RECEIVED YOU WILL BE PROMPTLY NOTIFIED=
ULIO THE ADJUTENT GENERAL
Additional information on Robert became available, the the War Department learned of his death on January 28, 1945, and changed his status to Killed in Action. His parents did were sent another telegram.
MRS ALMA BIERMAN
142 16TH STREET
MAYWOOD ILLINOIS
THE SECRETARY OF WAR ASKS THAT I ASSURE YOU OF HIS DEEP SYMPATHY IN THE LOSS OF YOUR SON TECHNICAL SERGEANT ROBERT B BIERMAN WHO PRVIOUSLY HAD BEEN REPORTED MISSING IN ACTION REPORT NOW RECEIVED STATES HE WAS KILLED IN ACTION ON THIRTY DECEMBER IN EUROPEAN AREA CONFIRMING LETTER FOLLOWS=
J A ULIO THE ADJUENT GENERAL
A letter was sent to the family, confirming his death.
Mrs. Alma Bierman
142 16th Avenue
Maywood, Illinois
Dear Mrs. Bierman:
It is with profound regret that I confirm the recent telegram informing you of the death of your son, Technical Sergeant Robert B. Bierman, 36, 956, 185, Infantry, who was previously reported to be missing in action on 30 December 1944 in Belgium.
An official message has now been received which states that he was killed in action on the date he was previously reported missing in action. Recently provisions were made whereby there will be sent directly to the emergency addressee or the next of kin a letter containing further information about each person who dies overseas in the service of our country, and if this letter has not already been received, it may be expected soon.
I realized the burden of the anxiety that has been yours since he was first reported missing in action and deeply regret the sorrow this later report brings you. May the knowledge that he made the supreme sacrifice for his home and country be a source of sustaining comfort.
My sympathy is with you in this time of great sorrow.
Sincerely yours,
(signed)
J. A. Ulio
Major General
The Adjutant General
In a report dated February 16, 1945, that his remains had been exhumed and one of his government issued identification tags was around his neck. Finger prints were taken from his right hand – his left hand was too decomposed to take prints – and matched the prints from his military records. After identification he was buried in Plot B, Row 2. Grave 27 in the same cemetery. His parents received a letter from the Quartermaster General’s Office confirming his burial.
15 July 1946
Mr. Louis W. Bierman
142 South 16th Street
Maywood, Illinois
Dear Mr. Bierman:
The War Department is most desirous that you be furnished information regarding the burial location of your son, the late Technical Sergeant Robert B. Bierman, A.S.N. 36 753 666.
The records of this office disclose that his remains are interred in the U. S. Military Cemetery, Foy, plot B, row 2, grave 27.
This cemetery is located four miles north of Bastogne, Belgium, and is under the constant care and supervision of the United States military personnel.
The War Department has now been authorized to comply, at Government expense, with the feasible wishes of the next of kin regarding final interment, here or abroad, of the remains of your loved one. At a later date, this office will, without any action on your part, provide the next of kin with full information and solicit his detailed desires.
Please accept my sincere sympathy in your great loss.
Sincerely yours,
(signed)
T. B. LARKIN
Major General
The Quartermaster General
In another letter, his father was informed he would be given the options for his son’s final burial. The next letter, dated January 5, 1948, was received by his father providing him with information for Robert’s final burial. He was asked to fill out and return an enclosed form indicating where he wanted Robert buried. The form was received by the Office of the Quartermaster General, Washington DC, on July 12, 1948. His father indicated that he wanted his son buried in an American Miliary Cemetery overseas.
On December 13, 1948, Tec/Sergeant Robert B. Bierman was buried in Plot G, Row 12, Grave 11, at the United States Military Cemetery, Henri-Chapelle, Belgium, with full military honors. His father was sent the flag that covered Robert’s casket and a letter dated January 25, 1949.
T/Sgt Robert B. Bierman, ASN 36 753 666
Plot G, Row 12, Grave 11
Headstone: Cross
Henri-Chapelle U. S. Military Cemetery
Mr. Louis W. Bierman
142 South 16th Street
Maywood, Illinois
Dear Bierman:
This is to inform you that the remains of your beloved one have been permanently interred, as the recorded above, side by side with comrades who also gave their lives for their country. Customary military funeral services were conducted over the grave at the time of burial.
After the Department of the Army has completed all final interments, the cemetery will be transferred, as authorized by the Congress, to the care and supervision of the American Battle Monuments Commission. The commission will have the responsibility for permanent construction and beautification of the cemetery, including erection of the permanent headstone. The headstone will be inscribe with the name exactly recorded above, the rank or rating where appropriate, organization, State, and date of death. Any inquiries relative to the type of headstone or the spelling of the name to be inscribed thereon, should be addressed to the American Battle Monuments Commission, the central address of which is 1712 "G" Street, N. W. Washington 25, D. C.
While interment and beautification activities are in progress, the cemetery will not be open to visitors. However, upon completion thereof, due notice will be carried by the press.
You may rest assured that this final interment was conducted with fitting dignity and solemnity and that the graves-site will be carefully and conscientiously maintained in perpetuity by the United States Government.
Sincerely yours,
(signed)
THOMAS B. LARKIN
Major General
The Quartermaster General
His father also received Robert’s Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster.
