Appreciation to Robert Hitch’s son, Robert, for providing the following photographs and documents regarding his father’s service aboard the USS Calvert.
Robert reported for duty in May 1943, attended the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, and embarked on the Calvert in August 1943 and as a Landing Craft Coxswain participated in landings in the Pacific. Robert was a frequent attendee, and occasional host, of the Calvert Reunions.
Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Battalion 767-43 July 1943
Robert, following graduation from boot camp
Robert and his good friend Robert Hart, possibly taken in Bremerton, WA, mid-1945
Robert’s Crossing the Line documents, November 15, 1943 – click each image to open for a full-sized view
All Hands Messages, from Captain Sweeney, for the Invasion of Makin (November 1943) and Kwajalein (early 1944) – click each image to open for a full-sized view
Christmas, 1945 – click each image to open for a full-sized view
Daily orders, April 2nd, 1946
U.S. Navy’s commendation for the USS Calvert and Crew – Published 1949
U.S. Naval Training Station – Battalion 767-43 – click each image to open for a full-sized view
Robert died in 2008 at the age of 83. He is buried at the Highland Cemetery,
Fort Mitchell, Kenton County, Kentucky.
Robert Howard Hitch was my uncle. So excited to see some of the documents and memorabilia from his Mother’s (Vina Pike Hitch) stash!
Hi Kimberly, Yes this is an amazing collection of memorabilia. Thank you to your family for the contribution to the Calvert website.