Robert A. "Bob" Federowski
- Marine Corporal Robert A. Federowski, son of Mrs. Virginia Harding of 127 S. Liberty St., Lowell, Ind., is serving with the First Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, First Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam.
The Battalion conducts large scale search and destroy operations against the enemy. When not engaged in major operations, the Marines participate in company and platoon size sweeps in search of enemy infiltrators.
The Marines also conduct patrols and ambushes to keep the enemy off balance.
The battalion carries out a vast self-help program for the rural Vietnamese people. In addition to a redevelopment plan, medical and dental aid is provided for the villagers.
The following June 6, 1968, Lowell Tribune article was found on page1, column 5:
Lowell GI Killed on Viet Patrol
Marine Cpl. Robert A. Federowski, 19, of 3002 - 182nd Place, Lansing, Illinois, son of Mrs. Virginia Harding, 127 S. Liberty St., Lowell, and the late Edward Federowski, was killed May 24 in combat in Viet Nam.
According to word received by his family, Federowski was fatally wounded while on patrol in the vicinity of Thua Thien, South Viet Nam.
Federowski, a member of Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Division, had been on duty in Viet Nam since Feb. 14. He enlisted in the Marines Nov. 29, 1965, after attending St. Edward's School in Lowell and Thornton Fractional South High School in Lansing, Ill.
Survivors include his stepfather, Clarence Harding; three brothers, Edward, Paul and James Federowski; a half brother, Clarence Harding, and a half sister, Catherine Harding, all of Lowell; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Barth, Lansing, Ill.; and paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Federowski of Vandalia, Michigan.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
This November 21, 1968, Lowell Tribune article appeared on page 1:
Cpl. Robert Federowski To Be Presented Navy Cross
The only Navy Cross ever awarded to a Lake County serviceman will be awarded posthumously to Marine Cpl. Robert A. Federowski on November 25. The honor will be presented to Mrs. Virginia Harding of Lowell in honor of her son.The Nation's second highest award for heroism is presented to Cpl. Federowski who gave his life to save the lives of his men.
Federowski was killed May 24, 1968, in Vietnam as he attempted to hurl away a sputtering enemy grenade threatening his squad of Marines.
Cpl. Robert A. Federowski was a member of Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Division and had been on duty in Vietnam since February 14th until he was killed. He had enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps November 29, 1965, after attending St. Edward's School in Lowell and Thornton Fractional South High School in Lansing, Illinois.
Mrs. Virginia Harding will be presented the award by Marine Corps Brigadier General Robert P. Keller, Commanding General of the 4th Marine Air Wing of Glenview, Ill.
General Keller will arrive in Lowell next Monday, November 25, at 3:15 by helicopter. His helicopter will land near the Oak Hill School and he will be escorted into the gym by a Marine Escort.
The program will commence at 3:30 sharp at which time the presentation will be made.
Marine Capt. Neil F. Mitchell, who is in charge of the ceremony, reported that many dignitaries are expected to be on hand, including the governor-elect, senators, attorney general, county officials and city officials.
Also on the program will be the Marine Drum and Bugle Team from Glenview as well as a Marine color guard.
Stanley Sejda, President of the Town Board of Lowell is asking all residents to plan to attend the presentation ceremony in honor of Cpl. Federowski. Guests will be seated in the bleachers of the gym.
This November 21, 1968, Lowell Tribune article appeared on page 1:
Mrs. Virginia Harding Presented Navy Cross In Honor Of Her Son
Hundreds of people gathered in the High School gym Monday afternoon to see Mrs. Virginia Harding receive the Navy Cross in behalf of her son, Cpl. Robert Federowski.
Brig. General Robert F. Keller read the citation and presented the award to Mrs. Harding.
His citation is as follows:
- For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Squad Leader in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of May 24, 1968, Cpl. Federowski's unit has established an ambush on a suspected enemy infiltration route in Thua Thien Province and became heavily engaged with a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force. Suddenly, an enemy hand grenade landed near him and several other Marines. With complete disregard for his own safety, Cpl. Federowski fearlessly placed himself between the grenade and his comrades. As he attempted to hurl it away from his position, the grenade detonated and he was mortally wounded. His bold initiative and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades inspired all who observed him and saved the lives of several fellow Marines.
Cpl. Federowski upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Cpl. Robert Federowski, son of Mrs. Virginia Harding, 127 South Liberty Street, Lowell, Ind., enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1965. He arrived in Vietnam on February 14, 1968, and was a member of D Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment on May 24th when he was killed near the vicinity of Thua Thien, Vietnam.
Return to Vietnamese Conflict Veterans
Return to Biographies