Technical Sergeant Robert “Red” Lloyd Baltzer 7030108 POW

Technical Sergeant Robert “Red” Lloyd Baltzer service number 7030108 United States Army POW.  He was born on October 9, 1915, in Ludington, Michigan. He served in the Philippines and fought for the defense of Bataan. He served in the 48th Materiel Squadron, 27th bombardment group. During the defense of Bataan “Cpl. Robert L. Baltzer was on detached duty with the 75th Ordnance as a welder. “Red” was an energetic young man, an expert welder, and made a name for himself all over Bataan. He was liked by everyone and more than once welded vital equipment while under fire. Cpl. Baltzer also had a way of horse trading pistols, rifles or Japanese grenades made into cigarette lighters for cigarettes or food. Cpt. “Red” Baltzer was definitely a credit to the 48th Materiel Squadron.” He was taken prisoner on Bataan and took part in the Bataan Death March. By the time he was liberated he was at Tokyo POW Camp Branch number 2 (Kawasaki) Tokyo Bay Area 35-139. He reenlisted into the Army Air Corps on January 26, 1946. He married Phyllis Lee Johnson on September 6, 1946 in Pontiac, Michigan. He died on July 30, 1998, in Xenia, Ohio, at the age of 82.

 

This photo would have been taken in 1940 at Tent City, Savannah Army Air Base. On the Left was Sergeant Eugene s. Dawson, on the right, was Corporal Robert "Red" L. Baltzer.
This photo would have been taken in 1940 at Tent City, Savannah Army Air Base. On the Left was Sergeant Eugene s. Dawson, on the right, was Corporal Robert “Red” L. Baltzer.

1- https://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-detail.jsp?dt=893&mtch=1&cat=all&tf=F&q=07030108&bc=&rpp=10&pg=1&rid=324695

2- https://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-detail.jsp?dt=3159&mtch=1&cat=all&tf=F&q=7030108&bc=&rpp=10&pg=1&rid=86609

3- https://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-detail.jsp?dt=2212&mtch=1&cat=all&tf=F&q=7030108&bc=&rpp=10&pg=1&rid=1685

4- 1930 United States Federal Census

5- 1940 United States Federal Census

6- World War II and Korean Conflict Veterans Interred Overseas

7- Barksdale to Bataan History of the 48th Materiel Squadron October 1940 – April 1942 By Frank Emile McGlothlin

8- U.S., Headstone and Interment Records for U.S., Military Cemeteries on Foreign Soil, 1942-1949

9- 1920 United States Federal Census

10- Not in the Oakland Michigan book

 

Horseing around in the new barracks. Corporal Robert Baltzer, and Pvt. James K. Jones.
“Red” Baltzer in front of the new barracks.
Corporal Baltzer & Private James K. Jones at Headquarters at Savannah. note Red’s new Studebaker.
Walter Stefanski, Homer c. Williams, Robert L. Baltzer