[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 23, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E423]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             REMEMBERING MR. DUNLAP ROBERT ``BOB'' ROBINSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 23, 2004

  Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to remember and honor an 
outstanding citizen from the City of Auburn, California, Mr. Dunlap 
Robert ``Bob'' Robinson. Following a lifetime of dedication to family, 
country, and community, Bob Robinson passed away on March 8, 2004, 
following a series of strokes. He was 86 years old.
  Throughout his youth, Bob attended schools in his native Auburn. 
While at Placer High School, he served as student body president and 
captain of the basketball team. In fact, he led his team to the state 
championship by hitting the game winning shot at the buzzer. After 
graduating from high school, he earned an undergraduate degree from the 
University of California, Berkeley and a law degree from U.C. 
Berkeley's Boalt Hall.
  Bob served admirably in the United States Navy during World War II. 
At the age of 27, he became the youngest naval officer to command a 
destroyer. He was assigned the post after surviving a kamikaze attack 
against the U.S.S. Caldwell. As a mark of his character and decency, he 
stood up to his shipmates who wanted to mistreat the charred body of 
the kamikaze pilot who had killed and wounded scores of Americans 
onboard. In fact, Bob afforded the enemy full naval burial honors for 
having discharged his own duties faithfully.
  Mr. Speaker, those who served with him recall his bravery and 
leadership. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for 
valor in combat and the Asiatic-Pacific Medal with eight battle stars 
for his service.
  Bob was known for his courage away from battle as well. In 1943, he 
spoke to Placer High School students about the unfair treatment of 
Japanese Americans. Due to the popular sentiment at the time, this 
position was not very well received. He received hate mail from people 
in his own community. However, Bob always had a clear sense of justice. 
Perhaps it was this sense of justice and being the son and grandson of 
attorneys that instilled in Bob the desire to attend law school and 
follow in their footsteps. He returned to his home in Auburn where he 
embarked on a long legal career. He served as the Auburn City Attorney 
for 30 years. During this time, he was a consistent guiding hand in 
settling city affairs. Following his retirement from the city, he 
returned to the local law firm of Robinson, Lyon & Springford. Those 
who worked with him remember him for his honesty, intelligence, and 
exemplary work ethic.
  Outside of his profession, Bob was an avid hunter who enjoyed the 
time in the beautiful natural surroundings near his home. He also 
served on the board of his father's favorite charity, the Auburn 
Community Foundation for three decades. In this capacity, he helped to 
enhance the city he loved.
  Bob is survived by his wife of 26 years, Dulcie, daughters Linda 
Scott, Nina Cushing, Marty Overmiller, and Carolyn Basque; sons David 
Burns, and Kelly Robinson; 10 grandchildren, and seven great-
grandchildren.
  Today, I join with Bob Robinson's family, friends, and community to 
commemorate his life of committed service, good citizenship, and 
uncommon decency. May he rest in peace.

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