Home Instead wishes to recognize and honor client and veteran Robert Pann for serving our country during World War II as a 3rd Class Shipfitter. Robert shared his remarkable story of joining the United States Navy at the age of 17…
Robert spent part of his high school years at Boston Trade School, where he honed his skills as a plumber. However, the appeal of being in the Navy in 1944 was the catalyst to leave high school in Boston and pursue his goal of joining the Navy. He continued his schooling in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where he became such an outstanding student that he was bestowed a high school diploma.
During WWII, Robert was deployed to work on Landing Ship Tanks, traveling up and down the Pacific Ocean. He was instrumental in saving his ship from sinking due to his expertise in knowing how to latch doors to prevent water from submerging the ship. Deservedly, Robert was known as a “fixer,” and his experience with solving mechanical problems came in handy on many other occasions.
Robert’s ship eventually went to the island of Okinawa, where he was tasked to help recover a Japanese ship, the Nagara, that sunk. At this point, Robert had his practical skills put to the test. With the crew’s help, this Japanese ship was successfully brought to the water’s surface. Robert had a harrowing episode when he was almost washed overboard by a big wave. Fortunately, he was able to hold onto a chain for stability.
Plumbing was at his core, so after the war, Robert became a master plumber at 22. He opened his own plumbing company – Robert L. Pann, Com., Inc. – and spent most of his adult life running this successful company. Robert pursued a career that matched his passion and skillsets.
Thank you, Robert, for your illustrious service to our country. We appreciate all you have done to make our world a better, safer place!
