Our job in the submarine force in World War II was to cut supply lines. (Video interview, 19:22)
{
align: 'left'
}
Robert L. Devore, Sr.
Robert Devore [2004]
War: World War, 1939-1945; Korean War, 1950-1953 Branch: Navy Unit: Submarine Service Service Location: Pacific Theater; Atlantic Theater; Mediterranean Theater Rank: Chief Petty Officer Place of Birth: KY
After his mother was widowed in 1940, Kentucky farm boy Robert Devore stayed in school until his 17th birthday in 1943, when he decided to drop out and enlist in the Navy.
He volunteered for submarine school and sailed aboard the USS Pogy as a torpedo man.
Most of their late-war missions involved lifeguard duties for downed fliers. In their most serious action, they took friendly fire from
an American Liberator who mistook them for an enemy submarine. Devore's talents extended well beyond those demanded on board the sub; he devised an easy method for distilling alcohol during a memorable R and R stay in Pearl Harbor.