Bob was drafted into the Army in 1943 and was assigned to the Infantry. He was sent to France as part of the replacement troops after D-Day. He was wounded in combat outside Munster France on the way to the Battle of the Bulge. Bob was awarded the Bronze Star for Heroic Actions, the Purple Heart as well as other medals and commendations. In 2018 Bob was awarded the French Legion of Honour Medal for his service in France.