If Robert Mortland had not been drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he would have enlisted himself. His father and two brothers all served in the military, and Robert wanted to continue the family tradition.
An Illinois native, Robert completed his Basic Training in 1953 at Camp Chaffee in Arkansas. He trained in artillery before he was deployed to Boston, Massachusetts. Not much time had passed before Robert found himself monitoring aircrafts in Keflavik, Iceland. “We were in charge of verifying that aircraft passing over the area were friendly. The aircraft had a specific amount of time to communicate with us once our radar located them,” Robert told us.
Robert was honorable discharged in 1955. He returned to his home in Illinois and secured a job as a Machinist in the glassing industry. During his 38-year professional career, Robert married his wife, Lila, and raised a son and daughter with her. Robert and Lila were happily married for 23 years before she passed away in 2012.
At 84 years of age, Robert now lives by himself. In his free time, Robert enjoys participating in charity and volunteer work within his community. He has difficulties with hearing, diabetes, and back and hip pain due to his time in the Army.
Purple Heart Homes has partnered with Scott Credit Union to paint the inside of Robert’s house. “Having this assistance will be a huge help for me. The walls haven’t been painted in a very long time, and I haven’t been able to do it myself due to my mobility and back issues,” Robert told us.
We are so grateful for the opportunity to help you, Robert. Thank you for your dedication to our country and passion for your community. Welcome to the Purple Heart Homes family!
