Sgt. Robert Leroy Taylor was born in Joliet, Illinois, on February 5, 1923, to LeRoy and Jennie Taylor and had one sister. His family resided at 1114 South 1st Avenue, Maywood, Illinois, and he graduated from Proviso Township High School in 1940. He next attend the Illinois Institute of Technology for two years before going to work at the Public Service Company as an accountant.
Robert registered with Selective Service on June 27, 1942, and named his father as his contact person. He was enlisted in the US Army on October 23, 1942, and because of his score on the Army General Classification Test he was assigned to the Air Corps and given the serial number 16 144 508. He trained at Camp Grant, Illinois and Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, than was sent to a number of bases. For the most part, the airfields are in not particular order. He trained at aeronautical school at the University of Chicago; Raco Airfield, Michigan; Lincoln Field, Nebraska; Wendover Field, Utah, where he was a member of the 509th Composite Air Group. He was awarded his wings there. He was then at Gowen Airfield, Idaho; Gowen Field, Idaho, and Peterson Field, Colorado, where he qualified as a gunner.
What is known is the Robert became ill and was hospitalized on the base. Records show that he died from pneumonia on December 23, 1943. He was buried at Mount Emblem Cemetery, Elmhurst, Illinois.
