Our reporting on local veterans is a collaboration with RyeVets.org to highlight those from Rye who have served our country across times of war and peace. There are over 2,100 veterans from the City of Rye. Learn more about how you can help research and write biographies of those that have served.
Robert H. Davidson was born on January 15, 1919, in Massachusetts. His family included his father, Ellis W. Davidson, his mother, Mildred Davidson, and his older brother, Richard. The Davidson family relocated to Rye, where they lived at 5 Oakwood Ave. and were active members of the Presbyterian Church. Robert’s father worked as an editor and held a college education, while his mother dedicated her time to homemaking.
Date of Birth: 1/15/1919
Died On: 10/10/1982
Street Address: 5 Oakwood Ave
Service Number: 0-7430
Branch of Service: U.S. Marine Corps – Second Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, Fourth Marine Division
Robert graduated from Rye High School as part of the Class of 1936. During his time in high school, he engaged in various school activities and became a member of the National Honor Society.
Throughout his high school years, Robert served as the editor-in-chief of both the Stagecoach and the Hitching Post publications. He demonstrated his leadership skills by fulfilling the role of class vice president during his freshman year and continuing his service on the class council during his junior year. Following his graduation, Robert went on to become an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving during World War II.
In the Marine Corps, Robert held the rank of an officer and received recognition for his bravery and exceptional actions as the Commanding Officer of a Battalion during the Battle of Iwo Jima. At the age of 24, he became one of the youngest officers in Marine Corps history to command a Combat Infantry Battalion.
Robert’s assignments in the field included various staff and command roles. In July 1943, he was detached as a Captain from Marine Corps Schools and joined the 4th Marine Division under the command of General Harry Schmidt at Camp Pendleton, California. He performed duties in the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines, participating in combat operations against Roi-Namur during the Battle of Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands from January 31 to February 3, 1944.
Promoted to Major, Robert served as the Plans and Training Officer of the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines, engaging in the training phase and initial combat operations in the Battle of Saipan in the Marianas Islands from June 15 to July 1944. He later took on the role of battalion executive officer during the remainder of the Saipan battle and served in the same capacity during the Battle of Tinian from July 24 to August 1, 1944.
In October 1944, at the age of 25, Robert assumed permanent command of the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines, which he led until the end of the war. As the battalion commander, he held responsibility for training, supply, discipline, and the well-being of approximately 1,000 men in garrison.
During the Battle of Iwo Jima, on February 19, 1945, Robert commanded one of the seven Battalion Landing Teams in the initial assault. His command consisted of an Infantry Battalion with additional attachments, totaling around 1,800 men. His exceptional leadership and bravery earned him the Silver Star decoration.
Robert remained in his role as Battalion Commander throughout the entirety of the Iwo Jima operation and received the Silver Star in recognition of his heroic actions.
As a result of his injuries sustained during the Iwo Jima operation, Major Davidson was honored with the Purple Heart. Prior to this, he had already earned the Bronze Star Medal for his contributions in the conquest of Saipan and Tinian. Additionally, he had participated in combat in the Marshall Islands.
Following World War II, Robert transitioned into a successful career as a businessman. On August 30, 1947, in New York, New York, he married Anne Breeding Davidson, originally from Boston, Massachusetts. Anne was the daughter of Edward Charles Breeding and Flora Breeding (nee MacLean). Robert and Anne were blessed with one daughter named Anne Stowell Davidson, affectionately known as “Missy,” born on February 24, 1949, and residing in Florham Park, New Jersey.
While serving in the Marine Reserves, Robert held executive positions in various companies. He worked as an executive at General Foods Corporation, served as Administrative Vice President of the Economics Laboratory, and held the position of President at Fanny Farmer Candy Shops and Anderson-Clayton Foods Inc.
In 1976, Robert retired from his role as President and Chief Operating Officer of PVO International, a soybean processing and marketing company located in Boonton, New Jersey, and San Francisco, California.
Tragically, Robert Davidson passed away unexpectedly on October 10, 1982, due to a coronary occlusion at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington, Connecticut. He was laid to rest in East Cemetery in Litchfield, Connecticut.
At the time of his passing, Robert was survived by his wife Anne, their daughter Anne S., and his brother Richard. More about Davidson.
