Posted on 08/23/2014 1:48:00 PM PDT by bkopto
My uncle Robert Kuhle, 95, died yesterday in Huntington Beach, CA.
He was a kind, unassuming man, who derived his greatest pleasure in being around children. After WWII, he became an elementary school teacher in Southern CA, and all his students followed him like following the pied piper. He was even invited to weddings of his former elementary school students.
In WWII, he was a carrier pilot on the USS Wake Island, an escort carrier, piloting the Grumman TBF Avenger, in the South Pacific. He related one story, in sadness, of being in the takeoff row, and the Avenger taking off just ahead of him suffering some sort of malfunction, with the plane crashing into the ocean just ahead of the carrier. The carrier ran over the downed plane and continued onward, not having the time to investigate as a mission needed to be filled.
He related another story where he and his two crew members got lost, so he landed his plane on some unknown island, regained his bearings some time later, taking off and safely refinding his carrier.
He piloted his plane over Iwo Jima in Feb 1945, bombing and rocketing the Japs there.
He never did seem to enjoy telling of his WWII exploits, always trying to change the subject; his involvement in WWII deeply affected him.
Robert Kuhle, with his wife Vivian, in Seattle WA, 1955:
On the deck of the USS Wake Island, 1945: 
There’s a place for him in Valhalla.
In my lifetime I will probably witness the passing of the last WWII Vet. Well done and thanks for those that served.
Nice memorial. My dad was similarly reluctant to talk of the war and only opened up to my brother (after gentle prodding) in his later years.
Rest in peace.
Thank you very much for sharing. I thank men like your uncle for what they have done for our country. God bless you as you mourn his passing away and I know you will cherish the man you knew with fond memories.
Nice tribute.
RIP to your Uncle.
I am grateful for his service.
Thank you for your faithful service, Mr. Ruhle. May you rest in peace.
Way cool guy.
RIP, Captain Ruhle.
RIP. Condolences to you and your family on your loss.
Godspeed Turkey bird driver. I fear we will never see your likes again. Rest well.
My favorite quote about that era is from James Michener: "They will live a long time, these men of the South Pacific. They had an American quality. They, like their victories, will be remembered as long as our generatioin lives. After that, like the men of the Confederacy, they will become strangers. Longer and longer shadows will obscure them, until their Guadalcanal sounds distant on the ear like Shiloh and Valley Forge."
And so it goes. Your uncle was one of those men.
Thanks for the post. I am sure you have many fond memories.
Unfortunately our country’s patriotism is waning. Both of my parents served in World War II and we have been so blessed that they provided us with a love of God, family, and country.
God bless your uncle & his family — a great man from the Greatest Generation.
The Avenger with that huge radial engine was a beast to fly, particularly in carrier operations. Took some brass to master the aircraft; obviously, your uncle had it.
Prayers sent.
This is a lovely memorial to your uncle. May he rest in peace.
Your Uncle was an amazing man. I take care of a 95 year old WWII vet. He retired as a Lt. General. I have listened to many of his stories about the war and I know they, the greatest generation, are truly exceptional. I thank your Uncle for his service and I hope he rests in peace.
Looks like your uncle had a discerning taste in women too.Your aunt Vivian was off the charts hot.
The World War Generation came back from the war and built America into what it is today, inspite of their children trying everything in their power to tear it down.
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