Robert John BROCKMANN

CHIEF TORPEDOMAN'S MATE ROBERT JOHN BROCKMAN

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ne/topic/resources/OLLibrary/Platte/pages/heros/hpcn0181.htm

Robert John Brockman, Chief Torpedoman's Mate, United States Navy, was born in Leigh, Nebraska, on November 25, 1919, and met death aboard the submarine U.S.S. Trout when it was sunk in Pacific waters by the enemy in April, 1944.

Robert was the son of Ernest A. Brockman of Columbus, Nebraska, and Bess Klabens Brockman, deceased, and the grandson of Henry Brockman of Monroe, Nebraska. He had two brothers, Richard E. Brockman and Ralph Brockman, both in the United States Navy.

After the death of his mother, Robert John Brockman lived for a time near Monroe with his grandparents, and attended school there. He then transferred to the Omaha schools, where he was graduated from high school in 1938. After his graduation, he entered the United States Navy, and served for three years prior to World War II.

In cooperation with the crew of the submarine, U.S.S. Trout, during World War II, as chief torpedoman's mate, Robert J. Brockman rendered invaluable assistance to his commanding officer in the conduct of inshore attacks against the enemy. He was exceptionally skilled in maintaining torpedoes and torpedo tubes in a high state of readiness, and by his cool courage and aggressive determination, he contributed materially to the sinking of five enemy ships and the destruction of several thousand additional tons of enemy shipping, including a hostile aircraft carrier.

Chief Torpedoman's Mate Robert John Brockman lost his life aboard the submarine U.S.S. Trout, in April, 1944, when the submarine was sunk during battle in enemy-controlled waters of the Shino-Ashizuri Saki area.

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