Robert E. Lee

Private First Class Robert E. Lee was born on September 27, 1923. The Lee family lived at 735 Spruce Street in Camden NJ. Robert Lee attended the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church school and had worked as a maintenance foreman at a Philadelphia recreation center before his induction into the United States Army.

Private Lee was inducted into the Army in May of 1943. He was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division as an infantry replacement later that year. He landed with the Division in France on D-Day and was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry for his actions that day. He was later awarded the Bronze Star for his deeds in Belgium.

Private First Class Robert E. Lee was killed in action while fighting at Weisweiler, Germany with the 1st Infantry Division. He was awarded an Oak Leaf Cluster to his Silver Star posthumously for the actions that resulted in his death. When news of his loss reached home, a Mass was celebrated in his memory at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Camden.

Robert E. Lee was brought home aboard the USAT Joseph V. Connolly, arriving October 27, 1947. He was buried at Calvary Cemetery in Delaware Township (present-day Cherry Hill) NJ on November 12, 1947. Robert Lee was survived by his mother, Mrs. Anna T. Lee, and a brother, William B. Lee, who also served in the Army. His mother became active in the Gold Star Mothers of America organization for many years.

A former Camden army first lieutenant and relatives of nine deceased war heroes received Army awards last night in the city hall commission chamber.

Presentation of medals was made by Capt. Conger Brown, of the Fifth district, Second Service Command.

This was the first large group public presentation of Army decorations here. Leaders of three county veterans organizations joined families of war heroes and honorably discharged and furloughed service personnel at a ceremony sponsored by the Camden County Executive Committee of the American Legion.

Lauded by Brunner

Mayor Brunner lauded the bravery and heroism of those awarded the medals before an audience of 300 persons. He stressed hopes that “there will be no more wars.”

Alfred W. Nelson, Jr., of Runnemede, recently discharged after serving with the Third Infantry as first lieutenant, received an Oak Leaf Cluster as a second award of the Silver Star.

Posthumous awards were received by:

Mrs. Harriet B. Woolcock, 80 East Main Street, Marlton, widow of 1st Lt. Daniel B. Woolcock, Jr., infantry, Bronze Star Medal.

Mrs. Sarah E. Wright, Bells Lake; RFD 2, Sewell, widow of Pvt. Wesley Wright, 83d Infantry, Bronze Star Medal.

Mrs. Mamie Barnes, Church Street, Medford, mother of Pfc. Elmer E. Barnes, 32d Infantry, Silver Star Medal.

Mrs. Margaret Smerhovsky, 348 Atlantic Avenue, Camden, mother of T/Sgt. William B. Smerhovsky, 100th Infantry, Silver Star.

Others Honored

Nicholas Rossi, 347 Liberty Street, Camden, father of Pfc. Rosso J. Rossi, Corps of Engineers, Silver Star.

Mrs. Anna T. Lee, 735 Spruce Street, Camden, mother of PFC Robert E. Lee, 1st Infantry, who was awarded the Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a second Silver Star.

Mrs. Jean M. Galiazzi, 16 South Thirty-third street, Camden, widow of S/Sgt. Joseph Galiazzi, 100th Infantry, Silver Star.

Mrs. Rose W. Mills, Pine Hill, widow of T/4 James L. Mills, medical unit, 88th Infantry, Bronze Star.

A Bronze Star was sent to Mrs. Anna G. Wilkie, 631 Jersey Avenue, Gloucester City, widow of T/5 James W. Wilkie, 102nd Infantry.