Switzerland County’s last WWII veteran passes away

(VEVAY, Ind.) – The Vevay American Legion is remembering a local veteran who answered the call to serve his nation twice.  

Robert Springer was born in 1927 and grew up in Switzerland County. He was drafted into the Navy in 1945 and served in World War II aboard an aircraft carrier. 

Following the war, he continued his service in the Navy Reserves before being honorably discharged. 

Springer was then drafted into the Marine Corps in 1952 and served stateside during the Korean War. He was a convoy leader where he trained soldiers and operated a wide range of military vehicles before he was honorably discharged in 1954. 

Bob passed away at the age of 98 in late November and his service is being remembered by American Legion Post 185 in Vevay. 

He held the distinguished honor of being the last remaining World War II veteran living in Switzerland County. 

“Although he will be missed, his dedication to our nation and community will never be forgotten,” the post stated. 

Following the military, Bob was a union construction worker for 40 years in Cincinnati before returning to Center Square, Indiana. 

Bob was an active member and proudly served on the Honor Guard of the Vevay American Legion Post #185 and the Vevay VFW Post #5396.