Robert Jezewski was an Aviation Machinist Mate stationed on the USS Pokomoke, a seaplane tender, stationed at Tawi Tawi, the southern most island in the Philippines. On June 6, 1945 Robert rode on a PBM-5 Mariner patrol bomber with 13 other men. It was a routine patrol but enemy merchant ships accompanied by a gunboat were spotted and his aircraft attacked the ships. After sinking two ships, the plane that was commanded by LT DeLand J. Croze, was hit by antiaircraft fire. One of the shells exploded in the after compartment where Robert was located and he sustained a severe injury to his leg and foot. The plane landed on the north east coast of the Celebes (now Sulawesi) and the skipper asked a native to get medical treatment for Robert. The native went to the Japanese on the island instead and reported the presence of the American plane. Robert died that night from loss of blood. Robert was a fine young man who was well liked by his friends on the ship. He deserves to be remembered.

Gary Cooper, Organization