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The Goldendale Sentinel, Goldendale, WA., March 13, 1944, page 1

ROBERT D. HUTCHINS KILLED IN ACTION; WAS IN SEABEE'S

Robert D. Hutchins, Cox, USNR was killed in action while in the line of duty somewhere in the Pacific, according to a telegram received by his wife, Mrs. Velma Hutchins, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Homer Hutchins, of Klickitat, March 8 from the Navy Department. Details of his death were not given in the telegram.
Robert and his brother, Donald, invested in the Seebees on August 1, 1942 and were called to active duty October 3, 1942. He received his training at Davisville, Rhode Island, leaving the states for foreign overseas duty on December 25, 1942. Both Robert and his brother served 10 months in the New Hebrides Islands and from there were transferred to New Guinea. It is not known where he was stationed at the time of his death.
He was born in Baker, Oregon, August 12, 1942, loving to Klickitat with his parents in September, 1928. He graduated from Klickitat high school with the class of 1941. While attending school he was active in sports and played in the school orchestra. Following graduation he was employed by the J. Neils Lumber company until his entry into service. On September 12, 1942, he was united in marriage to Velma Newcomb.
He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife, Velma, and parents, Mr. and Mrs. Homer Hutchins, of Klickitat; four brothers, Donald L., somewhere in the South Pacific; Wilbur J., of Willapa, Wash.; Harold E. and Herbert L., of Klickitat; five sisters, Mrs. L.J. Smith, Marjorie Deardorff and Margaret Baird, all of Baker, Oregon; Mildred Lawrence, of Sheridan, Oregon and Ruth Hoagland, of Klickitat and a host of friends.

Not dead to us who loved him,
Not lost but gone before:
He lives with us in memory,
And will forever more.

The Goldendale Sentinel, Goldendale, WA., April 6, 1944, page 1
Includes portrait

LIEUT. COMMANDER EXTENDS SYMPATHY TO BEREAVED WIDOW

The above photo is of Robert D. Hutchins, Klickitat, who was killed in action while serving with a Seabee Battalion in the Pacific March 4. Mrs. Hutchinhs received the following letter from Lt. Commander Henry J. Rumbarger, who was in charge of the battalion in which Robert served:

Mrs. Velma Arlene Hutching
Klickitat, Washington
Dear Mrs. Hutchins,

It is with the deepest sympathy that I write to you of your husband's death, as a result of enemy action, on March 4, 1944, about which the Navy Department has already informed you. Words cannot express our true feelings, but I want you to know that the entire Fortieth Naval Construction Battalion shares with you your tremendous grief in the loss of one of their shipmates.
Your husband had been with us for over a year in our present assignment, and during that time, by sharing in the difficulties and tasks which we all faced, won for himself a great many friends. His fine spirit and disposition will long remain in the memory of all who knew him.
In the name of the officers and men of this unit I wish to extend to you our heartfelt sympathies.
Your husband's personal effects have been gathered and will be forwarded to you by the Navy Department.

Very sincerely yours,
Henry J. Rumbarger,
Lt. Comdr., CEC, USNR
Commanding Officer

The Goldendale Sentinel, Goldendale, WA., May 24, 1945, page 1

MEMORIAL SERVICES TO BE HELD HERE
Thomas D. Potwin, Editor Of Yakima Herald, Will Speak At Morning Program At 10:30 In High School Auditorium

Memorial services will be held in Goldendale Memorial Day, Wednesday, May 30 at 10:30 a.m. in the high school auditorium. As in the past, the program and services are in charge of Louis Leidl Post No. 116, American Legion. Thomas D. Potwin, editor of the Yakima Herald will deliver the message at the high school. Potwin is said to be an able speaker, and the largest crowd ever to attend Memorial services is expected to turn out to hear the Yakima editor.
Following the program at the high school, members of the Legion will hold a brief ceremony at the graves of veterans of both World War I and II. A firing squad will fire a salute in recognition of their departed comrades.
E.C. Kaiser, commander of the American Legion, invites and urges all residents to join in the services, which will pay tribute to the men who have lost their lives in both wars.
Following is a list of men from this county who paid the supreme sacrifice in World War II: E.C. Allison, Wm. Becker, Fred Berrong, Marion Bolio, Homer Bilyeu, Jim Brashear, Robert Brown, Chas. Byrkett, David Cochran, Paul Cochran, John Dickey, Francis Ford, Alvin Ganguin, Don Heuton, John Hunsaker, Robert Hutchins, Harry Jones, Harold Lehman, Philip Lynch, Chas. Lowers, Dan Roe, Oren Sanders, George Shurtz, Harry Smith, Marion Scheel, Eugene White, Thomas Tradewell, Jim Trowbridge, Edward Thege and David Woodruff.