Project 888
Name: Robert Eugene KOLLINGER
Rank / Rating: S1-Seaman First ClassService #: 955 25 43 DOB: Nov 19, 1925 From: Indianapolis, IN Parents: David Leo and Roberta Frances Belford Kollinger Went Aboard: May 07, 1943 Age When Ship Went Down: 19 years, 8 months, 11 days Spouse: Children: Grandchildren: Bio Submitted By: Marilyn Henry, nephew Richard Meyers, niece Terri Williams |
 KOLLINGER, Robert E |
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 Robert Eugene “Bobby” Kollinger was born November 19, 1925 to David and Roberta Kollinger living in Indianapolis, Indiana. His father David Leo Kollinger was born in Vienna Austria; his mother was born in Louisville, Kentucky. His grandparents were Abraham and Dora Kollinger
According to the 1930 US Federal Census David and Roberta were residents of Indianapolis with three children: Robert, age 14, his brother Beryl, age 13, and sister Elaine, age 9.
Robert registered for the draft on his birthday November 19, 1943 and enlisted for duty on February 12, 1944 being sent to Great Lakes Naval Training Center where he was active in the navy’s boxing group. Robert can be seen kneeling in the front of the group in the photo.
Robert boarded USS Indianapolis May 7, 1944 serving on board Indy 14 months before he lost his life in the tragic sinking of Indianapolis, July 30, 1945.
In a post on social media July 13, 2017 Richard Meyers wrote about his uncle Robert:
“ My uncle is still aboard the Indianapolis. . . Robert Eugene Kollinger. I never got to meet him being born in ’49. His loss was deeply felt by my grandparents (Robert’s parents), my mother (his sister Elaine) and their brother (Beryl) who also served in the USN (in the Pacific theater) during the war - surviving.
The most striking thing that I have come to realize is how war losses span the generations of families. My children know the story and how its crew played such a pivotal part in ending the war as well as helping to usher in a new and sometimes terrifying era. If only an escort had been provided for Indianapolis. “
Robert Meyer’s acknowledgement in 2017 that “. . war losses span the generations. . .” can be felt in the email sent by Robert’s niece in 2001, sixteen year’s earlier:
A niece of Robert Eugene Kollinger, Terri Williams, wrote an email to Sonja Rosson (daughter of Cleatus Lebow, survivor) asking Sonja for a favor:
Wed, 18 Jul 2001
From Terri Williams (email address omitted)
Dear Sonja,
I once again visited the USS Indianapolis (web)site and read your post that you plan to go to the reunion next month in Indianapolis. I have always wanted to visit the memorial but have been unable to because of health reasons. My uncle (Robert Eugene Kollinger) was aboard the Indy and unfortunately did not survive. I never knew about my uncle because he died before I was born. I do not even recall once my Dad talking about his big brother. I only knew that he died in WWII and he was only about 19 or 20 when he died. It was after my Dad’s death in 1982, when my sister went through my Dad’s papers, that she found Robert’s Purple Heart, the telegraph his parents received, and some commendation from the government that we became aware of the story of the Indy.
Although it is real hard for me to visit this (web)site and read the guestbook entries, it is somewhat comforting. When I asked my Mom about Robert, she told me that my Dad tried to talk to her about it in the early days of their marriage. Apparently he got so upset some 10 years after it happened, that it was never discussed again. I have always regretted that my dad and I never talked and cried together over it.
Well, I’ll get to the point of writing. If I sent you some money, and if you wouldn’t mind. . .do you think it would be possible for you to take some pictures of the memorial and of the part of the wall where my Uncle Robert’s name is listed?
I also would really love to have a pencil etching of where his name is on the wall. I know it is an awful lot to ask, but you cannot believe how happy it would make me and my sisters. We were deprived of never knowing our only uncle and only have the Purple Heart, etc. to remember him. We don’t even have a picture of him as there was a big battle between my Dad and his sister when our grandfather died. My aunt took all of the family pictures. If you think you could do this for us, please let me know. I you really don’t want to do it, don’t worry about it.
Maybe I can just post at the guestbook asking if someone can do it. Either way, thank you. Also I am truly happy that our Dad survived that horrible time.
God Bless. . . . . .
Terri Willaims (web address omitted)
Note: Sonja Lebow Rossan is the daughter of Cleatus Lebow, survivor.
Read about Cleatus Lebow’s friendship with lost at sea William G. Stier.
Sonja honored Terri’s request by sending a hand rubbing of Robert Eugene Kollinger’s name on USS Indianapolis CA-35 Memorial monument by the canal in Indianapolis, Indiana. Sonja also sent a photo of his name etched into the Memorial wall.
Terri had been the sponsor on the memorial pages on Find-A-Grave for her beloved uncle Robert Eugene Kollinger. There are seven photos and 35 flowers left to his memory.
On July 29, 2007 Terri posted:
Well, now you have my Daddy up there to keep you company. Your brief, courageous life will never be forgotten. Rest in peace uncle Bobby.
Left by Terri on July 29, 2007.
In 2010 Terri left her last post on Bobby’s Find A Grave site.
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