Robert S. Grissinger (1925-1945)

Robert Grissinger was born one of twin boys on October 25, 1925 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania but grew up in York Springs. He attended Dillsburg High School and graduated with honors. He entered Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania as a member of the class of 1947, studying as a pre-medical student and joining the Theta Chi fraternity. He withdrew from the College when he was drafted into the service in January 1944.

After his air training program was canceled, Grissinger trained as an infantryman and embarked for the European Theater in October 1944. On November 19, 1944, he was wounded in action and was not able to return to his unit, Company G of the 397th Infantry, until after Christmas. He earned a Purple Heart in recognition of his injuries. On April 7, 1945, Grissinger was killed by a sniper at Heilbrom in western Germany while repairing his radio in action during an advance patrol, exactly one month before the end of the fighting in Europe. He was buried at the U.S. military cemetery nearby. For his part in the combat that led to his death, PFC Grissinger was awarded a Silver Star posthumously. This decoration, and a second Purple Heart, was sent to his parents.

More information about other Dickinson war casualties can be found through the online project "In Remembrance" (see link for related entries below).