Robert Blair Frazee

Rank: Private, U.S. Marine Corps

Serial Number: 323669

Unit: Company 25, Section F, Naval Training Station (Aviation), Navy Pier, Chicago

Died: June 14, 1942, U.S. Marine Hospital, Kirkwood, Missouri

Awards: American Defense Medal, Victory Medal

Private Robert Blair Frazee was born on April 5, 1924, in New Jersey, the son of Andrew Blair and Grace (Conover) Frazee Jr. His grandfather, Captain Andrew Blair Frazee, was for many years the Superintendent of the Camden & Philadelphia Ferry Company. His father was an auditor for a railroad. In 1930 the family lived at 1109 Linwood in Westmont, NJ. Robert Frazee was a member of the 1941 class of Collingswood High School. His family had moved from Collingswood before he graduated.

Robert Frazee enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on October 1, 1941. He completed his basic training at Parris Island, SC, and had then been assigned to Quantico, VA. While on duty in Chicago, IL, he took ill, and was admitted to the Marine Hospital in Kirkwood, MO, on May 29, 1942. He passed away on June 14, 1942. His body was returned to the east coast, and he was buried with full military honors. In his brief career, Robert Frazee earned the American Defense Medal and the Victory Medal. Survived by his parents and a sister, he was joined in death by a cousin, Seaman Second Class Andrew Blair Jakway Jr., who was killed in action while serving with the United States Navy in November of 1943. His father, Andrew Blair Frazee Jr., passed away in 1946. His name appears on the World War II War Memorial at Knight’s Park in Collingswood, NJ.

Collingswood Youth, in Marine Corps, Fell Ill Last Month

The body of Private Robert B. Frazee, 18, of the Marine Corps, arrived in Collingswood late yesterday. He died Sunday in the U.S. Marine Hospital in Kirkwood MO, where he was admitted because of illness on May 29.

The youth entered the Marine Corps in New York City last October. He formerly lived with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.B. Frazee, in Collingswood. The parents later moved to Elizabeth and at present are residents of Sarasota FL. The youth’s father was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad for many years as a traveling auditor and is now retired.

Young Frazee was on duty in Chicago when he was stricken. His mother is accompanying the body. The youth also is survived by his sister, Jane.