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101-Year-Old Vet Returns to WWII Ship Home
16 Jun
Summary
- A 101-year-old WWII veteran visited his former ship after eight decades.
- Robbins served as a gunner's mate from 1943 to 1946.
- He honored a deceased friend during a memorial at sea.
A remarkable homecoming took place aboard the Battleship New Jersey when 101-year-old World War II veteran Paul Robbins returned to the vessel where he served more than eight decades ago. Robbins, a gunner's mate in the Pacific Theater from 1943 to 1946, was one of only two surviving original crew members. He expressed that the battleship was his home for 32 months during the war.
Robbins received a warm reception, including applause from those gathered for his visit. He shared a personal moment of remembrance for his close friend, Bill Ryan, who was 102 and had planned to attend but passed away recently. To honor fallen comrades, Robbins participated in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at sea, accompanied by the playing of "Taps."
Despite his 101 years, Robbins remains active, continuing to drive and having recently renewed his license. His visit serves as a poignant reminder of the rapidly diminishing generation of World War II veterans, highlighting their significant contributions and sacrifices.
