DOB/DOD: June 19, 1946 (Woodford, England) – March 20, 2003 (Jacksonville, FL); 56 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Married Patricia Discepolo (?-) on October 2, 1965, in Norwalk. Married to Lyn H. Collins at the time of his death (1946-2011).
CHILDREN: Unknown
LOCAL ADDRESS: 4 Greenwood Place; parents at 14 Oak Ledge Circle
ENLISTMENT: December 1965
SERVICE NUMBER: RA11477968
UNIT: Headquarters Company, 261st Signal Company, 459th Signal Battalion
FAMILY: Born to Henry Alan (1919-1991) and Kathleen Olive Shuttlewood Collins (1921-2004). Three sisters, Janet M. Collins Lewis (?-), Jennifer A. Collins Rogers (?-), and Judith H. Collins Shrobar (1948-2006).
From The Norwalk Hour February 2, 1968
Norwalker, Purple Heart Veteran, Back For 2nd Tour In Vietnam
Robert D. Collins, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Collins of Oak Ledge Circle, was recently promoted to Sergeant Communications Specialist E-5 in Vietnam. Sergeant Collins completed his first tour of duty in Vietnam in November and returned to his home here, and also went to England to visit with his sisters and their families. He returned to Vietnam in December for his second tour with the ROK (South Korean) Division in the Central Highlands. Sergeant Collins is a graduate of St. Barnabas High School in Woodford Green, Essex, England, and received his early radio training with the Air Training Corps, Royal Air Force, in which he also qualified as a glider pilot. He enlisted in the U.S. Regular Army in 1966 and after Fort Dix, was trained in Radio Communications at Fort Gordon and Fort Huachuca, Arizona. He was wounded in action against the Viet Cong in an attack on Plelme? and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal. His new address in Vietnam is Sgt R.D. Collins, RA11477968. 261st Signal Company (spt), APO 96316, San Francisco. He sends his thanks to all his many friends who wrote to him through the Norwalk Hour Letter From Home during the Christmas Holiday in Vietnam. He had over 100 letters and cards, and parcels, and as it is impossible for him to answer all personally, asks they accept this as a token of his gratitude and thanks. He is very proud of his adopted new hometown of Norwalk.
Buried in Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, Florida; Section 7, Site 100. Photo from FindAGrave.com.
END
Honor Norwalk CT veterans 