Date of birth:

May 31st, 1923 (St. Joseph County, Michigan, United States of America)

Date of death:

September 13th, 2000 (San Marcos, California, United States)

Service number:

15353848

Nationality:

American

Robert David Maier was born on 31 May 1923 in St. Joseph County, Michigan, the United States. He was the youngest son of John Lawrence Maier and Virginia Julia Wisniewski and had two elder brothers, Richard and Philip. All three sons were to join the American Armed Forces during World War II.
When exactly Robert joined the US Army is unknown at this time. However, it is certain that he finished para-training and fought in Europe during WW II. According to newspaper articles, Robert had been deployed to Sicily, Italy and France, which means that he already in 1943 served in the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division “All American”, during operation Husky. It is well documented that Private First Class (Pfc) Robert D. Maier participated in operation Market Garden, in September 1944, in and around Nijmegen. He was machine gunner of a .30 Caliber Light Machine Gun, and served in Company F, 2nd Batallion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment. After the bridges near Nijmegen were conquered by the Allied forces, the regiments of the 82nd Airborne Division, on 22 September, started to pull back to the south of the river Waal one at a time, to defend the eastern flank of Nijmegen. In the following period from 24 September – 14 November 1944, Robert’s 504th was then repeatedly battling with German forces that tried to retake the bridges.
As on 28 September 1944, the Germans launched a counter attack with infantry and tanks near Wercheren/Erlecom. Company F succeeded in repelling this attack, amongst others as a result of the actions by Robert Maier and his assistant squad leader Pfc Joseph Koss. While fighting the German ground forces, both got injured but maintained putting down LMG fire on the enemy. Around 15 minutes later, Koss was fatally hit by a tank grenade, but still Robert kept on fighting, neglecting his shoulder and leg wounds. He maintained firing his LMG at the pinned down German infantry, until finally an antitank gun neutralized the enemy tank and the Germans fell back. For his heroic action during this battle Robert was awarded the Silver Star Medal, and also a Purple Heart for him getting wounded under fire. After treatment of his wounds he later returned to his unit, that was already in action in Germany.
After WW II Robert, with the rank of Corporal, left the US Army and became laborer. In January 1946 he married his loved one, Betty Louise Miller. They would get three children. In 1947 Robert joined the Fremont Police Department, where he served until retirement, with the rank of lieutenant, in 1976. Since retirement they lived in San Marcos, California. His wife Betty deceased in 1997 and Robert died, some three years later, on 13 September 2000. He is buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Fort Rosecrans, San Diego, California, United States; Plot
CBF,1,195.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private 1st Class

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private 1st Class

Unit:

Company F, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

For action which was performed on 28 September 1944 near Erlecom/Province of Gelderland, the Netherlands.

30 November 1944
Under the provisions of AR 600-45, as amended, and pursuant to authority contained in letter 200.6 (AG) Headquarters XVIII Corps, dated 31 August 1944, the Silver Star Medal is awarded to the following named individual:
CITATION:
ROBERT D. Maier, 15353848, Private First Class, 504th Parachute Infantry. For gallantry in action on 28 September 1944, near WERCHEREN, HOLLAND. During the initial phases of a strong enemy counterattack, Private First Class MAIER, machine gunner, and his assistant squad leader moved their LMG from a covered position to a spot which afforded no cover or concealment but more effective fire on the onrushing enemy. From this position Private First Class MAIER, operating the gun alone, delivered fire on the advancing Germans, temporarily pinning them to the ground. An enemy tank, about 100 yards to the front, began shelling the LMG position with point blank fire, but he continued to fire on the enemy. One shell wounded Private First Class MAIER and his assistant squad leader and temporarily damaged the gun. Private First Class MAIER field stripped his LMG and restored it to action. Ignoring the pain of his shoulder and leg wounds and refusing medical aid, he maintained effective fire on the attacking Germans. Another shell burst killed his companion, but Private First Class MAIER stood his ground and fired his machine gun until anti-tank fire knocked out the enemy tank. His courageous devotion to duty and cool determination were greatly responsible for his company’s success in repelling the enemy thrust aimed at reaching the vital NIJMEGEN Bridge. Private First Class MAIER’s distinguished conduct reflects highest credit on the military forces of the United States. Entered military service from FREEMONT, OHIO.
JAMES N. GAVIN
Major General, USA
Commanding

• Photo 1: Findagrave.com
• - LUNTEREN, F. VAN, The Battle of the Bridges, Casemate, 2017.
  - NORDYKE, P., More Than Courage, Zenith Press, St. Paul, United States, 2008.
  - Tuckers Troopers | The Odyssey of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment 1942-1945.com
  - Brief van James Gavin betreffende Silver Star Medal van Robert D. Maier | Vrijheidsmuseum | Collectie Gelderland
  - Obituary for Robert David Maier, Awarded Silver Star medal in WWII serving with 82 Airborne Div - Newspapers.com™
  - Robert David Maier (1923-2000) - Find a Grave-gedenkplek
  - FamilySearch.org
  - US PARAS - Maier, Robert David | Special Forces Roll Of Honour