Robert Patton is yet another example of a serviceman moving to Chapel Hill to build his family and serve his community. Our proposed memorial was part of his vision for our community.

Robert served as an enlisted man in the United States Army in the 65th Infantry Division, Third U.S. Army. This was General George Patton’s army, although they were not related.

As World War II was ending, Robert Patton found himself at Mauthausen, Austria on May 5, 1945. This was the site of a German Concentration Camp. The 65th Infantry liberated that camp. Robert returned to Austria for a 65th Infantry Reunion visit and they journeyed to Mauthausen. He saw then that a large area was a covered field, yet this was the site of a mass burial of camp members. He brought this to the attention of the local government and that led to a years-long effort to place a memorial at the mass burial grave site.

Robert returned again for the dedication of the Mauthausen Memorial and then once again to place his World War II uniform in an Austrian museum. Learn more

Robert spoke extensively about the concentration camp, its liberation, and his personal observation. This won him significant recognition and membership in the local Chapel Hill-Durham Holocaust Speakers Bureau.

Here is what local person recently wrote about his passing and Mauthausen:

• “I am devastated to hear about Robert. I admired him so much! And I will forever be grateful for his service.  My grandfather was in Mauthausen and so was my cousin’s great-grandfather. Bob may have saved the life of my cousin’s great-grandfather.I doubt that I would be here if it were not for our brave men and women during WWII.” – Deborah H. Long, CDEI, DREI, Ed.D

Robert Patton was awarded the Legion of Honor by the French government in recognition of his service during World War II in France. Learn more

Robert Patton passed away on April 11, 2013. He was a long time supporter of local veterans’ efforts to establish a veterans memorial in Chapel Hill. He realized that there was no memorial of any type built by the Town of Chapel Hill and supported a town memorial.

Robert Patton was selected as a Chapel Hill Treasure and several times as the recipient of the WCHL Radio Village Pride Award for being a Chapel Hill Hometown Hero. Learn more

He served as American Legion Chapel Hill Post 6 Commander and Adjutant. He also served as Adjutant, Veterans of Foreign Wars C. V. Cummings Chapel Hill Post 9100.

News stories
Video: Chapel Hill Town Council Meeting, November 23, 2009, Robert Patton speaks
Print: World War II Veteran Promotes Peace, Garnernews.net and Apex Herald
Print: A True Hero; by Matt Goad, Chapel Hill Magazine, March 2, 2012