By Deborah Larsen
Robert Louis Blome
Robert Louis Blome was born in Detroit, Michigan, on September 8, 1922, the son of Frederick and Leila Barribeau Blome. Robert grew up in Rochester and attended Rochester High School, graduating in the class of 1940. After high school, Robert was employed at National Twist Drill & Tool Company in Avon Township.
In July 1943, Robert entered the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 86th Infantry Regiment, training at Camp Hale, Colorado. Part of the 10th Mountain Division, the 86th was a ski regiment trained to work in snow-covered mountainous terrain. Robert’s unit participated in the Italian campaign, and he was awarded the Bronze Star medal in 1945. His citation read in part: “for meritorious service in combat during the period 14-24 April 1945, in the Apennine Mountains and Po Valley, Italy.” Robert was released from military service in January 1946.
After the war, Robert married, started a family, and worked as a salesman in his brother’s photo frame business.
Robert Louis Blome died at age 74 on January 11, 1997, and was laid to rest in Royal Oak, Michigan.