Robert D. Eckstein of Cass County Indiana was killed September 7, 1944, while serving in the South Pacific during World War II.

He is officially listed as missing or buried at sea and his name appears on the “Tablets of the Missing” at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines. We are seeking information regarding his military and civilian life and especially to locate family members still living so we can send them the free photographs of the memorial. Remember, if he is missing or buried at sea THERE IS NO GRAVE but we will gladly send photos of the memorial to their families.

I am a retired Hoosier from Madison County Indiana residing in the Philippines with my Filipino wife. We are seeking family and military information of nearly a thousand servicemen from Indiana killed in the South Pacific during World War II. There are 17,206 Americans buried here and thousands more that are missing or buried at sea and are honored on the “Tablets of the Missing”. Please visit our website to see the beautiful memorial located in Manila, Philippines.

http://fizkid.tripod.com/

We visited the cemetery as visitors and left with a mission in our heart. We have been taking photographs of the graves of the Indiana servicemen buried here and have been uniting them (at no charge) with their family members in Indiana and across the United States. To receive the photo of your family member, neighbor or friend all you need is a working email address. Please help us find the families that might be still living of the men that gave their lives for our freedoms.

Our project is only successful because of teamwork and your contributions are noted on our website. If you wish to help us we will be pleased to add your name to our ACKNOWLEDGMENT page. The obituaries usually did not appear till to three months after the death date. These are the most helpful in finding the families.

If you are not a genealogist you can help by just picking up the telephone directory and find someone with the same last name and give them a call. It has worked many times.

Zenas5@yahoo.com

Sincerely,

Dave and Apple Dwiggins
San Pablo City, Philippines

Dave & Apple:

Are you still sending pictures? Robert was my great-uncle and I would be thrilled to receive copies of the pictures!

Unfortunately, we know very little about Robert's military career. The only thing we really have are rumors. I'm hoping to possibly piece some of that together.

Thanks,
Kimberly Soule
ks3019@hotmail.com

1930
Name: Robert D Eckstein
Home in 1930: Logansport, Cass, Indiana
Age: 11
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1919
Relation to Head of House: Son
Father's Name: Walter A
Mother's Name: Ada M
Race: White

WITH
Name: Walter A Eckstein
Age: 46
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1884
Birthplace: Ohio
Relation to Head of House: Head
Spouse's Name: Ada M
Race: White
+
Name: Adele Eckstein
Age: 21
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1909
Relation to Head of House: Daughter
+
Name: Paul W Eckstein
Age: 14
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1916
Relation to Head of House: Son

WW2 PRISIONERS OF WAR

Name: Robert D Eckstein
Race: White
Residence State: Indiana

Report Date: 7 May 1942
Latest Report Date: Sep 1944

Grade: Private
Grade Notes: Cadet, USMA or Chief Warrant Officer or Private or Apprentice, Seaman
Service Branch: Army
Arm or Service: Signal Corps
Arm or Service Code: Signal Corps
Area Served: Southwest Pacific Theatre: Philippine Islands
Detaining Country: Japan
Camp: 502
Status: Executed, Died in Ship's Sinking or Result of Ship Sinking, Shot While Attempting Escape
POW Transport Ship: September Sinking: Shinyo Maru, 7 September 1944
Report Source: Individual has been reported through sources considered official.

+
World War II and Korean Conflict Veterans Interred Overseas

Name: Robert D Eckstein
Inducted From: Indiana
Rank: Corporal
Combat Organization: 228th Signal Operating Company
Death Date: 7 Sep 1944
Monument: Fort William McKinley, Manila, The Philippines
Last Known Status: Missing
U.S. Awards: Purple Heart Medal

Thank you very much, please keep us up-to-date with a good working email address and we will offer any new discoveries to your family. Dave

Sorry, not one of my mine - like you, just helping out

Good Luck to you & your wife & well done!

Regards

Ell