The Death of Robert Preston

It was with regret that I learned of the death of Robert (Meservey) Preston. Not having any contact with him since the War, I speak of him fondly from that perspective and experience, when he was a “raw” basic trainee in my squadron, of which I was the adjutant.

We had only four weeks in 1942 to try to make soldiers out of the fine young men we received from all parts of the country. Among those assigned to my squadron (595) at Miami Beach was one Robert Meservey. Unlike some of the assignees from the movie colony and the stage and media he was a perfect “dogface” who took his basic training with pride, and without complaint.

When we tried to get him to go to flying school, because of his prospective accomplishments he failed the eye test, some astigmatism as I recall.

He applied for Officer Candidate School, and was promptly accepted as Robert Meservey (not as Preston). He was graduated with honors from OCS and was appointed cadet colonel of the OCS unit at Miami Beach while in training.

I enjoyed his acting, but the knowledge of the character of this man made it far more pleasurable. I salute him as a fine American in every phase of his life that I was a part of so long ago.

H.G. OAKES

Vandenberg Village