Veteran Robert I. Palmer

Robert Palmer's dad made Robert promise to finish high school before he went into the Navy. The dad, a WWI sailor, knew that if his son went off to the Navy, he would never finish high school. Robert (Bob) went to the school principal and talked with him about his status and when he could graduate? The Principal told Bob he had plenty of credits then to graduate. Bob relayed that information to his dad, who confirmed it, and the dad signed the papers allowing the 17-year-old to join the US Navy.

Bob figured joining the military was part of his obligation as an American. Most of his pee...