Robert W. Stevens
Bio
Robert W. Stevens began his military career as part of the Illinois National Guard, but when there were no training facilities near where he was attending college he was dismissed from the National Guard. In November 1952, he enlisted in the Navy and served aboard the USS Boxer during the Korean War. His time aboard the USS Boxer, an aircraft carrier, did not see direct combat. However, the USS Boxer launched seventy aircraft missions daily and was resupplied with aerial bombs and fuel at night. Robert W. Stevens lost many friends, mostly pilots, during the Korean War. Robert W. Stevens retired from the Navy after twenty years with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Above all, he believes all Americans must continue to protect the best interests of the United States.
Video Clips
A Forgotten War
Robert W. Stevens details the beginning of his military service which included a short time with the Illinois National Guard before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He recalls his basic training in Newport, RI where they learned the same academic materials as the cadets at Annapolis. Stevens reflects on why he believes the Korean War is often considered a "Forgotten War".
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Life Aboard the USS Boxer
Robert W. Stevens details what life was like aboard the USS Boxer as a member of the Operations Department aboard the carrier. He explains his work as a communications watch officer. He offers details on the USS Boxer as well.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkVcllFY1zs&start=938&end=1187
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/robert-w-stevens#clip-2
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Role of the Navy
Robert W. Stevens notes that the Korean War was largely a war involving the Army, Air Force, and Marines, but continues that the Navy also played an important support role in the war. He offers details of what the USS Boxer did to support the war effort. He concludes that he's sorry the war was never truly finished.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkVcllFY1zs&start=1200&end=1423
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https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/robert-w-stevens#clip-3
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