Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1949 Lucky Bag:

Robert G. Manseau

Bob was known to the folks at home as Robert, but his friends at the Academy have called him Bob. He received his secondary schooling at Lead High School and attended the University of South Dakota for two years, enjoying a life of leisure and fun. Because of his college work however, he was able to relax a little in our engineering courses. During high school days, Bob was on the track team, but here he tried his hand at boxing, batt football, and softball. Good natured in all respects, he gave plebes little to fear when they met him. He liked a good social life — plenty of parties and girls. His ambition is the Naval Air Corps and a certain OAO who has been patiently waiting back in Dakota.

Loss

Robert was lost on September 28, 1951 when his F4U Corsair crashed during gunnery practice near Fallon, Nevada. He was a member of Fighter Squadron (VF) 193.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

Robert graduated from Lead High School in 1942. He received his appointment to the Naval Academy from Rep. Francis Case.

After graduating from the Naval Academy, Robert served aboard the USS Midway before reporting to Pensacola for flight training in October, 1949. Next, he trained at Corpus Christi.

Engaged to Charlotte Kane, he died before they married. She did attend his funeral.

His father was Orman, mother Catherine, brother Edward, and sister Marian (Mrs. Arthur Howard.) His father worked for the Homestake Mining Company for 33 years. He died in January 1942.

From South Dakota Korean War Memorial:

September 24, 1925–September 28, 1951

Robert “Bob” George Manseau was born on September 24, 1925, to Armand and Catherine Manseau, in Lead, South Dakota. He had a brother, Edward, and a sister. Robert grew up and went to school in Lead, graduating from high school in 1943. His father died in 1942. He first entered the service at the end of WW II. Then Robert went to school at Annapolis Naval Academy in Maryland, from where he graduated. He was then transferred to the Naval Air Corps and entered active service again on June 3, 1949. Manseau went on for more training at Pensacola Flying School in 1950, followed by advanced training at Corpus Christi, Texas.

Lt. Robert Manseau earned his wings and commission as an officer on March 7, 1951, at Corpus Christi. Manseau then went to Hawaii where he “completed a course in night flying,” according to a newspaper article. Lt. Manseau was later stationed with the 193rd Fighter Squadron at Alameda, California. He was expecting to start training as a jet pilot.

On September 28, 1951, Lieutenant Robert George Manseau died in the crash of his Navy Corsair at the gunnery range about 20 miles from Fallon, Nevada. His body was returned to Newcastle, Wyoming, and then was escorted back to Lead for funeral services. He was buried with military honors at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

This entry was respectfully submitted by Michaela K. Fuerstenau, 8th Grade, Spearfish Middle School, Spearfish, South Dakota, July 29, 2004. Information for this entry was provided by an application for a South Dakota veteran’s bonus, and the Lead Daily Call, September 30, 1951, October 4, 1951, issues. Memorial stone photo by Mrs. Hansen. No family contact made.

He is buried in South Dakota.