DOB/DOD: May 4, 1944 (Norwalk, CT) – August 9, 2007 (possibly Key West, FL); 63 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Married to Joanne Suarez (1947-2015) on November 1, 1970 in Paramus, New Jersey
CHILDREN: Unknown
LOCAL ADDRESS: 20 Lancaster Drive, Norwalk
ENLISTMENT: April 1965
SERVICE NUMBER: 11460342
UNIT: Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division
FAMILY: Born to Frederick (1914-1987) and Mae Belle Hickerson Jacobs (1914-1974). Two brothers, Alan (1950-1998) and Fredric (?-).
CIRCUMSTANCES: Wounded in the left thigh in Than Thiet Vietnam on February 9, 1967. Recipient of the Bronze Star Medal. Also received the Purple Heart Medal twice.
From The Norwalk Hour February 18, 1967
NORWALK SOLDIER WOUNDED IN ACTION
Specialist 4th Class Robert F. Jacobs, 22, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fed Jacobs of 20 Lancaster Driver, was wounded February 9, during the truce, in Than Thiet, Vietnam, while on a reconnaissance patrol. He was hit in the left thigh, according to a telegram received by his parents. Specialist Jacobs is a paratrooper and was serving with the Tiger Force, of the 101st Division. The soldier sent home three pieces of the fragment that hit him and wrote his parents that he expects to be home in a month when he will be hospitalized for some time as there still are fragments embedded in his leg. Young Jacobs entered the service in April 1965 and has been in Vietnam for seven months. In writing home of his injuries, he adds his expression of happiness at the mail and packages of “goodies” he has received through his name listed with other servicemen in The Hour’s columns.
From The Norwalk Hour October 9, 1968
Robert Jacobs of 20 Lancaster Drive has received an Army Commendation Medal with a combat “V” for an action in which the then Specialist 4th Class Robert Jacobs engaged on September 24, 1966. Mr. Jacobs also received two Purple Heart Medal decorations during his Vietnam service. He is currently working for a local printing company. Mr. Jacobs’s award reads: “For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force: Specialist Four Jacobs distinguished himself with exceptionally valorous action on September 24, 1966, near My Phu (2), Republic of Vietnam. While on a patrol in dense jungle, Private Jacobs’ platoon came under intense automatic weapons and small arms fire from a well-entrenched reinforced Viet Cong squad. Private Jacobs, who was the point man of the lead squad, boldly moved through a hail of deadly fire to an exposed position from which he brought accurate fire against the hostile emplacements. His daring actions drew most of the hostile fire and enabled his squad leader to maneuver the rest of the element, which resulted in the rout of the insurgents. Private Jacobs’ devotion to duty and personal courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
From The Bridgeport Post January 4, 1975
A Bronze Star for valor and Army Commendation for heroism for two separate incidents while serving in combat in Vietnam have been awarded to Robert F. Jacobs, now of Bethel and formerly of Norwalk. He is the son of Frederick Jacobs, of 20 Lancaster Drive, and the late Mrs. Jacobs.
Unknown burial information
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