Pfc. Robert Berger Magnesen was born in Maywood, Illinois, on November 29, 1919, to Berger Magnesen and Harriet Bauman-Magnesen, and had a sister and a brother. His family resided at 812 South Sixth Avenue, Maywood, Illinois. He graduated from Emerson School and in 1937 and from Proviso Township High School. After high school, he worked at the Campbell Soup Company in Chicago, Illinois. He registered with Selective Service, on July 1, 1941, and named his father as his contact person.
Robert was drafted into the US Army on October 18, 1941, in Chicago and received the serial number 36 302 966. It is not known where he did his basic training or where else he may have been stationed. The only place he was known to train at was Camp Wolters, Texas. At some point, he became a member of the Company B, 165th Infantry Regiment 27th Infantry Division. The 165th’s first action was in the Battle of Makin Atoll in the Gilbert Islands which took place from November 20, 1943 to November 24, 1943. During this time, different units of the 27th landed on various islands in the Gilberts.
The 27th was pulled from combat and began training for the invasion of the Marianas Islands. On June 16, 1944, American troops landed on Saipan. The initial landings were done by the US Marines who took heavy casualties. The next day the 169th Infantry Regiment landed on the island and captured Aslito Airfield. The fighting continued and what is known is that Robert was wounded on June 23rd when the regiment attacked what was called “Purple Heart Ridge.” Records indicate he was hit by a bullet in his right check that went through his skull. He died from his wounds on June 26, 1944, and was buried, in a blanket, the same day in Plot 1, Row 4, Grave 122, in the Army Cemetery #1 on Saipan. His grave was unmarked. His parents were notified of his death in July.
MRS HATTIE MAGNESN
1314 SOUTH 6TH AVENUE
MAYWOOD ILLLINOIS
THE SECRETARY OF WAR HIS DEEPEST REGRET THAT YOUR SON PRIVATE FIRST CLASS ROBERT B MAGNESEN WAS KILLED IN ACTION ON TWENTY SIX JUNE IN THE PACIFIC AREA LETTER FOLLOWS
ULIO THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
After the war, in a letter dated September 18, 1946, His father was informed where Robert was buried and the location of his grave in the cemetery. He was told that in another letter information on the options for Robert’s final would be presented to him. The next letter was dated August 22, 1947, and provided Berger Magnesen with information on where Robert could be buried. He was asked to fill-out and return as enclosed form indicating where he wanted Robert buried. The Office of the Quartermaster General received the filled-out form on September 10th indicating that Robert should be returned to Illinois for burial.
Robert’s remains were exhumed, on March 6, 1948, and taken by truck to the American Graves Registration Port on Saipan and casketed. On April 21st, his casket was put on the USAT Albert M. Boe which sailed the same way. The ship appears to have made stops at other islands to bring the remains of other men back to the United States since it did not arrive at Fort Mason, San Francisco Port of Entry until May 17th. His casket was held there until it was sent by train, with a military escort, arriving in Chicago on May 28th. It was taken to the Quartermaster Corps Distribution Center #8, Chicago, the same day.
In a military hearse, on June 14, 1948 his casket, with his escort, were sent to the Senne Funeral Home , Maywood, Illinois. The next day, June 15, 1948, Pfc. Robert B. Magnesen was buried in Garden of Devotion Section, Grave 32-D, at Chapel Hill Gardens West, Melrose Park (Oak Brook Terrace), IllinoisÂ
