Pvt. Robert Sinclair Cuthbertson Jr., was born in Oak Park, Illinois, on January 9, 1920, to Robert S. Cuthbertson Sr. and Mildred McEwan-Cuthbertson, and had a sister and brother. The family first resided in Oak Park and later at 1905 South Fourth Avenue, Maywood, Illinois. He graduated from Garfield School and later from Proviso Township High School in 1937. After high school, he worked at Butler Brothers in Chicago. He married Glenda Qualls and became the father of a daughter, Sandra Joyce. The family resided at 158 South 21st Avenue, Maywood, Illinois.
On July 1, 1944, he registered with Selective service and named his father as his contact person. He was not inducted into the US Army until June 26, 1944, and his serial number was 36 991 095. Where he did his basic training is not known. The only base he is known to have been stationed at is Fort Benning, Georgia and was operated a mortar. He apparently was sent to France as a replacement and was assigned to Company L, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division.
Once joining the 8th, he fought in France and in Luxemburg. It also took part in the Battle of the Bulge. It was during this battle that Robert was reported missing in action February 9, 1945. His wife received a telegram.
MRS GLENDA Q CUTHBERTSON
330 SOUTH 24TH AVENUE
BELLWOOD ILLINOIS
THE SECRETARY OF WAR DESIRES ME TO EXPRESS HIS DEEP REGRET THAT YOUR HUSBAND PRIVATE ROBERT S CUTHBERTSON JUNIOR HAS BEEN REPORTED MISSING IN ACTION SINCE NINE FEBRUARY IN EUROPE PERIOD IF FURTHER DETAILS OR OTHER INFORMATION ARE RECEIVED YOU WILL BE PROMPTLY NOTIED PERIOD
ULIO
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
Robert was listed as Missing in Action until March 26, 1945, when the War Department stated it had enough evidence to prove he had been killed in action. Documents from March 17, 1945, showed that Robert died from a concussion on February 9, 1945, at Hermespand, Germany, and was buried at the United States Military Cemetery, Hamm, Luxemburg. in Plot Q, Row 2, Grave 43. His wife received a letter telling her his death had been confirmed. In a letter dated September 25, 1946, his wife was told where Robert was buried and the location of his grave in the cemetery.
25 September 1946
Mrs. Glenda Q. Guthbertson
320 South 24th Avenue
Maywood, Illinois
Dear Mrs. Cuthbertson:
The War Department is most desirous that you be furbished information regarding the burial location of your son, the late Sergeant William O. Baker, A.S.N. 36 770 646.
The record of this office discloses that his remains are interred in the U. S. Military Cemetery, Hamm, plot Q, row 2, grave 43. You may be assured that the identification and interment have been accomplished with fitting dignity and solemnity.
This cemetery is located two and a half miles east of the city of Luxembourg, and is under the constant care and supervision of the United States 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
Another letter was sent to his wife, dated July 31, 1947, providing her with information on the options available for Robert’s final burial. She was asked to fill-out and return an enclosed form to the Office of the Quartermaster General, Washington DC, indicating where she wanted her husband buried. It appears that Glenda did not return the form and the Red Cross was asked to contact her as to why she had not returned it. In a letter toe the OQMG, dated June 4, 1948, the Red Cross indicated that Glenda had remarried and that Robert’s father was now is next of kin. His father was sent the same letter, on July 22, 1948 and asked to return the form to the OQMG. The form was received by the office on August 10, 1948, and indicated his father wanted Robert’s remains returned the United States and buried in the Rock Island National Cemetery.
On May 19, 1949, the Chicago Quartermaster depot informed the Office of the Quartermaster General that Robert’s father had changed his mind and now wanted his son buried in a local private cemetery. Robert’s casket disinterred sent by train to Antwerp, Belgium arriving there on March 14, 1949. On the USAT Haiti Victory, his casket sailed for the United States on April 22nd and arrive in the New York Port of Entry on May 6th. By train, his casket was sent to the QM Distribution Center #8, Chicago, arriving on May 11th. On June 7, 1949, his casket, in a military hearse, were taken to the Dreschler Funeral Home in Oak Park. The next day, June 8, 1949, Pvt. Robert S. Cuthbertson Jr., was buried at the Mount Auburn Cemetery in Stickney, Illinois.
