Robert M. Mueller
A February 4, 1943, Lowell Tribune article (page 2, column 1) listed Robert Mueller as having basic training at Ft. McClellan, Alabama.
The following May 6, 1943, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 2, column 2:
- Pfc. Robert Mueller, who is stationed at Ft. McClellan, Alabama, is studying to be a truck and light tank mechanic, specializing in body work. At the same time he is instructing a class of 25 men. Because of the large number of rattlesnakes in that region, Robert says they never go on a march without their leather leggings, but in spite of this and the hot weather, he still likes army life and thus far has one award to show for his hard work -- a sharp-shooter's medal.
This February 3, 1944, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 2, column 1:
- T/5 Robert Mueller informed his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Mueller, that he had arrived safely overseas and is now stationed in Ireland, where the grass is still green but there was too much rain to suit him. Houses are built of rock and look funny, he said, in addition to being too close together. Trees are smaller than they are at home.
- Robert, a mechanic, is doing repair work on trucks, tanks and jeeps.
The following May 18, 1944, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 2, column 2:
Promoted to Sergeant
Mr. and Mrs. John B. Mueller received a letter from their son, Robert, who said he was recently promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He also said he received a letter from Pvt. Lee Schlachter, who is stationed in new Guinea, from where it takes two months for a letter to get to Northern Ireland where Mueller is stationed. Sgt. Mueller told his mother in the letter that he would like to buy her an all-wool knitted sweater but didn't have the necessary points. Almost everything there is rationed. Robert likes Ireland very much -- no thunder storms, no snakes, and the churches are all beautiful and enjoys going to church every Sunday. When he has time, he listens to programs broadcast from WLS, Chicago.Among the boys from who he receives letters are Andy Hufnagel, in Oklahoma, and Dwight Childress, in Texas. On several occasions when he had time off, he has visited in Belfast, Ireland, London and other cities in England and greatly enjoyed historic sights over the British Isles. But in spite of everything, Robert says he is ready to come home the moment the war is over.
This May 25, 1944, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 2, column 2:
Stationed in England
Sgt. Robert Mueller, in a recent letter to his parents, says he is now stationed somewhere in England, and that the country is almost like Ireland; except that it rains more. He thanked his mother for the violets which he had just received. Recreation at his present location consists mainly of baseball, and following supper, the boys spend most evenings writing letters or doing work they have been assigned.The following Sept. 7, 1944, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 2 column 2:
Writes from France
The following letter was received this week by the John Muellers from their son, Sgt. Robert Mueller, stationed in France:Dear Mom:
I received two of your letters and two Lowell Tribunes today -- they are the first letters I've had from you for about three weeks. I also received a letter from Leonard today.
Well, Mom, since I wasn't allowed to tell you before, I can now tell you that I have been in France for quite a long time, and I am feeling fine. They have a wonderful country here. Lots of apple orchards but the apples aren't ripe yet. Every Frenchman you see wants to give you a drink of cider, and most of it tastes like vinegar.
A lot of the towns we have passed through are blown to bits, and a lot of the people are homeless. I certainly feel for them. The French are very friendly people but it is hard to understand what they mean because of the difference in languages. It almost wears your arms out waving at them while you are driving along. But, all in all, I will still be glad when I come home to stay.
Well, Mom, how is everything at home? O.K. I hope, and as for myself, I am feeling fine. Say, Mom, if you can, would you please send me some single edge razor blades. I have a lot of double edge, but would rather have the single. I think I have plenty of everything else, except some stationery about this size of the paper this letter is written on, and also some envelopes.
Well, Mom, that's about all I have to say except that I don't want you to worry because everthing is O.K.
Love,
Robert
This Lowell Tribune article was found in the March 8, 1945, issue (page 2, columns 1-2):
- The following letter from their son Cpl. Robert Mueller, stationed in Belgium at the time it was written, was received by the John Muellers last week:
- Dear Mom and all:
- Did not hear from you for about five weeks, but as usual I suppose all the letters will come at once. It has been pretty cold here, with lots of snow on the ground. Right now I'm feeling unusually good--I'm in a little room with a nice bunch of boys, playing cards and eating your fruit cake and drinking coffee. One of the boys is sitting on the corner of the bed playing "I'll Be Back in a Year Little Darling," on his guitar.
- Belgium is a nice country and has lots of churches. I walked to church last Sunday. We also can see shows nearly every night and most of the pictures are good.
- I'm going to send home some money from Belgium and Luxembourg as souvenirs as soon as I am able to. I've already sent you some French money.
- I received all the Christmas presents you sent. Thanks a lot, Mom. I also receive letters once in a while from Lee Schlachter.
- Robert
This March 22, 1945, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 2, column 1:
- The following letter was received last week by the John Muellers, Lowell, from their son, T/3 Sgt. Robert M. Mueller:
- Received three letters from you last week and was very glad to get them. I am now "somewhere in Luxembourg." It's getting warmer here now--like spring--but I sure wish I could be home once in a while. I guess I'll have to wait a little longer though. I have been promoted from T/4 to T/3 Sgt.
- Please send me some stationery as I need it. Received the last Christmas present you sent me. Thanks a lot Mom.
- Robert
The following article from an unidentified newspaper was found in Town Historian Richard Schmal's obituary collection:
- Robert M. Mueller, age 65, of Lowell, passed away Sun., Oct. 9, 1988.
He is survived by his wife, Audrey Mueller; two daughters, Carol Ann
Mueller of Merrillville and Brandee Lee Mueller, at home; two sons,
Thomas M. (Lisa) Mueller of Lowell and John Mueller of South Bend; two
grandchildren; and three sisters, Mary Catherine Hays of Cedar Lake,
Hedwig Gordon of Chicago, Ill., and Frances Summerlot of Highland. A
Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wed., Oct. 12, at
St. Edward Catholic Church, Lowell, with Msgr. Timothy Doody
officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Edward Cemetery, Lowell.
Robert Mueller was a retired brickmason for the LTV Steel Co. He was a
World War II veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served in the European
Theatre with Gen. George Patton and was the recipient of five Bronze
Stars. He was a member of the Bricklayers Union, Local 6 of
Merrillville, VFW Post 6841 in Lowell, and St. Edward Catholic Church.
Arrangements were handled by Sheets Funeral Home in Lowell.
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