Robert Eugene Tapani
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Navy
Unit Info: Naval Reserve
TAPANI, Robert Eugene
Robert Eugene Tapani was born on September 30th 1928 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is the son of George and Pearl Van Valkenberg (adopted father, Tauno Tapani).
Hei enlisted in the Naval Reserve on March 21st 1946, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Home at entry: Virginia, Minnesota.
Mr. Tapani served in World War II in the Pacific Theater in the U.S. Navy beginning in 1946. The unit he served with was V6 - General Service and Specialists. Mr. Tapani was honorably discharged on September 13th 1946. He graduated with a GED in 1952.
He then was recalled to active duty for the Korean War on December 1st 1951. He served again with the U.S. Navy. Mr. Tapani was assigned to the USS Pine Island (AV-12) in Korean waters. He was honorably discharged on May 31st 1955.
During his service Mr. Tapani held the rank of Boatswain's Mate Seaman.
He was awarded the following:
- Good Conduct Medal,
- American Defense Service Medal, -and-
- China Service Medal.
After his second tour of duty he married Vera Clark in Long Beach, CA on June 13th 1955
Mr. Tapani received a disability release to inactive duty on May 31st 1955. He was an active supporter of all things "veteran". Bob was a member of the Crellin-Tini VFW Post # 1113 where he has twice served as Commander,
He died on April 30th 2016 in Virginia, Minnesota at 87 years of age. He is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Virginia.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The Saint Louis County World War II Project, 319.
Robert Eugene “Bob" "Tap” Tapani (1928-2016) - Find A Grave Memorial
