Robert F. Riese

Robert Frederick Riese, shown here with flight jacket and 'blood chit' in China.

A short biography by daughter Barbara:

My father, Robert Frederick Riese, was born 19 October 1919 in York, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Robert A and Olga (Latterman) Riese. He married Cora Ilene Wilt on 1 November 1940. Dad was a devoted father to their three children, Robert Lee, Barbara Ilene (me), and Sheree Louette. He was a Photographic Laboratory Technician with the 382nd Air Service Group during World War II and served in the China-Burma-India Theatre - often called the "Forgotten Theatre".

Dad was a congregation member at St. David\'s Evangelical Congregational Church; a life member of the Full Gospel Men's Fellowship International #112. Dad passed away and joined his Lord and Savior on 10 January 2004.

My father worked as a photographer and heavy metal x-ray technician for a defense contractor, United Defense (formally BMY-York) retiring in 1986 after 33 years of service. He was also a commercial photographer for 50 years specializing in portraits, weddings and commercial prints. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and was actively involved along with my brother in the Boy Scouts of America from the late 1940's through 1970's.

After his retirement, next to spending time with his four grandchildren, Dad devoted much of his time to the China-Burma-India (CBI) Veterans Association, of which he was three times Past Commander and Senior Vice-Commander of the Regional Keystone Basha. Dad loved this association. It provided him and the other comrades an outlet to openly talk about their war experiences.

It is our hope that Dad\'s memory can live on through these pictures that he has so preciously preserved for more than 50 years. Time stood still through the lens of Dad\'s cameras.

Obituary (York Daily Record, York Dispatch & York Sunday News, 1/11/2004):

Robert F. Riese, 84, died at 3:55 a.m. Saturday at ManorCare Health Services North. He was the husband of Cora I. (Wilt) Riese, to whom he was married for 64 years. Born October 19, 1919 in York, a son of the late Robert A. and Olga (Latterman) Riese, he retired from United Defense (formerly BMY-York) after 33 years of service. He was a congregation member of St. David's Evangelical Congregational Church; a life member of the Full Gospel Men's Fellowship International #112; a U.S. Army veteran of WWII; a member and State Commander of the China-Burma-India (CBI) Veterans Association, of which he was three times Past Commander and Senior Vice-Commander of the Regional Keystone Basha; a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States; a member of Shiloh American Legion #0791; West York VFW #8951; a life member and past Union President of the United Steel Workers of America; an associate member of the International Union of Police Associations AFL-CIO; was actively involved with Boy Scouts of America; and was a commercial photographer for many years. In addition to his wife, Mr. Riese is survived by a son, Robert L. Riese of Hanover; two daughters, Sheree L. Riese and Barbara I. Knox, both of Shiloh; four grandchildren; and two great grandsons. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. David\'s Evangelical Congregational Church, 2411 Oakland Road, Dover, with his pastor, the Rev. N. Patrick Teaford officiating. Viewings will be Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at the church and one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Mt. Rose Cemetery with military rites presented by the York County Veterans Honor Guard. Baumeister, Orcutt & Small Mortuaries, South Queen at Jackson Street is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to St. David's Evangelical Congregational Church, 2411 Oakland Road, Dover, PA 17315.

Background information of Robert Riese (taken by ZZ, at A-Won Restaurant, York, PA, on May 9, 2001):

Date and place of birth: October 19, 1919 in York, PA

Occupation before retirement: Naval ordinance

Division and duration of service in China: US Army Air Force, served as a corporal a total of 18 months from 1943 to 1945 with 10 months in India, and 8 months in China.

Location he was stationed: stationed in Nanning, Guiling, Liuzhou

Nature of duty: cameraman taking aerial photos during reconnaissance flights in China.

Memorable experiences and reflections (atrocities, Chinese people, special circumstances, D-J Day)

Bob was in Nanning on V-J Day. Tremendous joy and noise that day when the Chinese and Americans shot off to celebrate the victory.

Cora was in Michigan during his service and their son was only two years old. They have stacks of letter.

Bob was trained for pilot, but his eyes don\'t have the depth of perception.

Remembered eating fish with eyes staring at him.

Used to smoke a pipe.

In India, during a flight to Ramgoon of Burma, someone else went in his stead because he was not feeling well and this someone else was killed that day.

Japanese moved westward and destroyed some of their military bases.

Saw war casualties and POWs,

Flew over Shanghai and took pictures

Had flown over the hump.