Richard 'Dick' Robison Served in the U.S. Army & Reserves from 1953-1960: Remembering Our Veterans

Every Thursday night on Erie News Now, we honor local veterans and their families in a long-running series entitled, “Remembering Our Veterans.” Mike Ruzzi has the story of one local veteran who served before, during, and after his tour of duty.

The story of Richard “Dick” Robison begins on the baseball diamond in 1950. Dick graduated from West Springfield High School in 1950, where he was well known as a baseball and basketball player for the Springfield Wildcats.

"After graduating high school, he was recruited to apply for a Buffalo team as a pro baseball player. But the war came into effect in ’53, so he was unable to fulfill that dream," said Kathy Vaux-Paden, daughter. "So when he came back from the Korean War, Dave Wickersham, a friend of the family, taught Dick his special pitching technique, which Dick was able to carry on through the World Series."

Dick also served as a member of the Springfield Volunteer Fire Department for 80 years. He also served as a constable for Springfield Township.

"The whole atmosphere of the community was planned together as one, as a family. It began at the church level and then went out into the work level."

The United States Army veteran served from 1953 to 1955. Dick was also in the reserves until 1960. He was deployed to Korea with the Heavy Tank Company, Infantry Regiment.

"Family was very important to him, but all the friends he had—lots and lots of friends—and I would say everybody he met was important to him," said Kathy. 

Among the medals he was awarded were the National Defense Service Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Bronze Star Medal for Valor.

Dick passed away almost one year ago at the age of 92.