Happy 105th birthday, Maj. James "Jim" Robinson!
A celebration was held for Robinson at the National World War II Museum on Sept. 24. A picture offering birthday wishes to Jim greeted everyone entering the museum. Covington (La.) American Legion Post 16's oldest member, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War was honored by a large crowd of dignitaries, Legionnaires, friends, staff and museum visitors.
Robinson received an FCC First Class radio license at 12. He enlisted with his brother in the Army Air Corps in June 1942. He washed out of flight school due to vertigo, so was placed in communications as radio operator/mechanic. As a 2LT in July 1944, Jim was assigned to Iceland and Greenland, then RIFd in September 1945. His brother was shot down and killed over the English Channel.
He was recalled in August 1948 to Japan as base communications officer until December 1951. He returned to CONUS, joined the Florida Air National Guard and retired in May 1953.
In celebration of this special occasion, the Victory Belles serenaded Jim and planted red lipstick kisses on his cheeks. Proclamations were presented to him on behalf of Gov. Jeff Landry by Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) Secretary Charlton Meginley, from the museum, St. Tammany Parish and the Commemorative Air Force. A rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday" was sung and cupcakes were served.
The ceremony was followed by lunch at the American Sector Restaurant and a tour of the "Road to Japan" exhibit. A group of over a dozen accompanied Jim, including Post 16 members Mack Maginnis, Ken Diebold, Ben Motion, and Janice and Dennis Charlesworth.
Jim received birthday wishes and recognition for his military service in over 1,000 Facebook and other online posts, an abundance of birthday cards from as far away as Wisconsin and numerous other states, cards with many signatures from Post 16 members, St Timothy on the Northshore Friendship class, school children. and museum staff and visitors.
FOX 8 News WVUE-TV in New Orleans aired interviews of Robinson, Charlesworth and Motion regarding the celebration. Jim was greeted and photographed with many admiring individuals, including a 99-year-old World War II veteran and a couple from Germany.
Post 16 is honored to have Jim Robinson as our oldest and very active member. It was a pleasure to be a part of this special occasion and, like him, we look forward to next year’s celebration.
