| Robert W. Robinson grew up watching airplanes fly in the skies above the North Dakota prairies. Entering the United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in 1967, "Robby" began flight training with fixed wing aircraft and carrier take-offs and landings. This was preparation for advanced instrument and helicopter training.
On April 9, 1969, Robinson's wife Linda pinned him with his gold Naval Aviation wings in a ceremony at Ellison Field in Florida. A day later Robby, Linda and their son Jay headed to the west coast for his Huey transition training at Camp Pendleton. On his 25th birthday, Robby flew to Travis Air Force Base near San Francisco for transport to Vietnam. His orders were to report to the 1st Marine Air Wing, Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam where his missions would range from hauling VIPs, to medivac, to delivering chow and anything in between.
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As a member of HML-367 "Scarface Squadron" during 1969-1970, Robby flew 1,140 combat missions. After five years in the Marine Corps, he joined the North Dakota Army National Guard as a full-time technician. Later in became the aviation maintenance test pilot and maintenance officer. In that capacity, her flew numerous types of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. During his career he rose to the position of North Dakota Army Aviation Facility Commander.
Robinson retired after 36 years of combined military service in which he acquired over 5800 hours of military flight time. He and Linda reside in his hometown of Bismarck, North Dakota where he enjoys the great outdoors.
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