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PVT Robert Wesley Dunnam
Robert Wesley Dunnam was born Nov. 23, 1921 in Houston, Texas to Homer Dunnam, an iron worker, and Willie A. Smith Dunnam, a homemaker.
The family had relatives in Rockdale, Texas about 130 miles to the northwest, and lived there on a ranch for a time before returning to Houston.
The 1940 Census said Robert had completed two years of high school and was employed as a cabinet maker at Houston Sash & Door Co. — as was his father.
Robert enlisted in the Marines on March 18, 1941, and was a private on the U.S.S. Arizona when he was killed in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941.
He was a member of the ship’s whaleboat rowing team.
His younger brother, Homer Jr., was also a Marine in World War II and survived.
Sources: The Rockdale (Texas) Reporters; Census; Marine enlistment photo; Texas birth certificate; grave marker. This profile was researched and written on behalf of the U.S.S. Arizona Mall Memorial at the University of Arizona.
NOTE: If you are a family member related to this crew member of the U.S.S. Arizona, or have additional information, pictures or documents to share about his life or service to our county please contact us through our FAMILY MEMBER SUBMISSION FORM.