Robert Andrew Dulaney Jr.
Robert Andrew Dulaney was born to Robert Andrew Dulaney Sr. and Maryetta (Imschweiler) Dulaney on the 28th day of August 1955. It just so happened that this day was the second anniversary of his parents wedding.
Robert was born at the Torrance Harbor General Hospital located in Torrance, California, now named Harbor-UCLA Medical Center where he was taken from to his new and first home at 9604 Ocean Gate Avenue, Inglewood, California, USA.
At about age 3 Robert unsuccessfully burned down the house at that address and at the time of this writing (year 2001) the house still exists. Robert remembers many homes he and his family lived in until he finally landed on a ranch located at 29625 Louis Avenue Mint Canyon California where he and his family raised many animals to include goats, and rabbits. They also raised fowl to include pigeons, turkeys, geese and chickens.
Robert attended both Sulphur Springs Elementary and Mint Canyon Elementary schools. Robert's Jr. High schools were both Arroyo Seco and Sierra Vista. Robert graduated from Canyon High School in 1973.
Robert tried to get his own business started upon leaving High school, but since it did not look as if it was going anywhere he joined the United States navy. Then his business soared, by then it was too late, Robert had committed to the navy.
Robert enlisted in 1974 and attended company 160 at the Navy Recruit Training Center, San Diego (which has since closed) - his Company Commander was BMC Sansisi. Robert Graduated boot camp on his birthday in 1974 and was sent to the USS Peoria (LST-1183) for duty. One month after Robert reported aboard the ship left for Vietnam.
In December 1974 Robert was sent home on emergency leave, his father was dying and the Red Cross decided he needed to go home. After emergency leave had expired, and Robert's father was still alive, the U.S. Navy, by request of the Red Cross, kept him in San Diego so he could be close at hand for his father's death. When Robert's father's health seem to be improving, the navy gave Robert a "new" ship The USS Cook (DE-1083) which was in port Yokosuka Japan on her way to Vietnam.
When Robert's father died in January 1975, the USS Cook sent Robert home on two weeks emergency leave. Robert returned to the USS Cook (DE-1083) and participated in Operation Eagle Pull and Operation Frequent Wind. It was during this operation that the USS COOK along with all other DE's were re-designated as a Fast Frigate (FF). Robert was aboard the USS Cook (FF-1083) when the ship was also sent to Korea for a show of force when the officers were killed there "trimming trees" on the DMZ called Operation Paul Bunyan. Due to requests from the command, Robert stayed on the USS Cook for 7 years well past his 5/2 (5 years sea /2 years shore) rotation. Robert also participated in Operation Earnest Will, Operation Eagle Claw, Earnest Will, and Prime Chance, among many other Operations. During Operation Earnest Will Robert's ship at the time USS Downes remained at sea for 58 days without entering port.
On November 25 1979 Robert Married Marjorie Marie Mathis of Bethany Missouri, USA a shipmate's sister that he began writing as a pen pal while he was aboard the USS Peoria. Though none of Robert's family attended the wedding, Marjorie's Aunt Etty (Etta J Edwards) acted as Robert's mother. Mike Hill, Robert's friend since second grade acted as his best man.
This Union begot a son Robert Andrew Dulaney III who was born at the Navy Regional Medical Center, San Diego, California, USA on 06 October 1981. Robert and Marjorie also gave birth to a daughter, Jennifer Marie Dulaney, who was born on March 28 1983 at the Swedish Hospital in Seattle, Washington, USA.
In January 1994 Robert was honorably discharged from the navy as a Boiler Technician Chief (Surface Warfare) - Paygrade E-7. His awards include: Navy Surface Warfare Badge, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon (3 awards), Battle Efficiency Ribbon (5 awards), Good Conduct Medal (3 awards), Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2 awards), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2 awards), Vietnam Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribon (though only awarded this ribbon four times this ribbon was not established until May of 1980), and the Navy Expert Pistol Medal. In addition in 2000 the Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, awarded Robert the commemorative Cold War Victory Medal.
Robert's Anchor Pinning On Ceremony. His anchors were pinned on by his wife, Marjorie Mathis and William McEnerny MMCM USN (Garland Woodrow Mathis Roberts Father-in-Law in the foreground)
See Robert's Military Service Plaque
Marjorie divorced Robert in 1998 under a mutual agreement between Robert and Marjorie. Marjorie reassumed her maiden name of Mathis. This divorce was finalized in Harrison County, Missouri, USA.
Dispite the divorce, Robert and Marjorie remained friends and on 12 May 2015 Marjorie and Robert reunited and began living together again as man and wife, residing in Des Moines, Washington, USA.
Robert's Naval Duty Stations included:
SIMA San Diego, California, USA
Navy Absentee Collection Unit, Seattle, Washington, USA (this unit is now closed).