Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"For the family: I was his Department Senior Chief and present when we searched the ship and surrounding waters to find him. We sat for hours around the deck of the PRINCETON hoping and praying to find him. He was one funny dude! He had such a free spirit and his personality was infectious. He was a real joy to serve with. He had a positive impact on peoples' lives (like mine) because here I sit in a Navy building, 19 years later, and thinking about him. I'm sorry for your loss and sorry I didn't find this page sooner."
James Eaton of Ellicott City, MD

"You just popped into my head Bobby. Was thinking about the old days on the ship. As a parent now, I think about how hard it is for not only everyone around you, but especially your parents."
Chris Brock of Omaha, NE

"My best friend and his friend whom I've met prior to their deployment were killed together during combat operations in Baghdad International Airport area, Iraq on March 2nd, 2005. (Specialists Wai Phyo Lwin / Azhar Ali)
I can only imagine the sheer and continuous grief that the family and friends of Seaman Apprentice Robert D. Macrum must be feeling. To the parents and direct family members of Robert: My sincere condolence for your tremendous loss. - Sgt Kim, Matthew - USMC veteran."
Matthew Kim of New York, NY

"I love and miss you so damn much! I will always carry on your memory in my heart and my actions. I turn to you for strength a lot and you always help me out. You are my true brother. I feel so blessed just for the short time we had together. You are forever in my heart!"
Michael Jacobson of Auburn, Washington

"Just thinking of you, Bobby. I can't say that time makes anything easier or that we don't miss you every bit as much as we have for almost 9 years now. If anything, getting older has made us reflect more often on who matters most in life, and we miss you more now than we ever have. I'd give anything to bring you back to Shan, even if just for long enough to sit in the room and watch you two carry on for a little while....it's like you should have been twins! I've never seen anything like it; your relationship was so very precious and rare among siblings and brought Shannon and anyone else around the two of you such happiness. There is truly no one else on earth who could ever provide the kind of love, purpose, and sense of belonging that you gave your sister, and I am so very grateful that she was blessed with you for the time that you were here. She's doing better than she has in a long time, but a large part of her spirit and joy will always be with you. We know that you're with us often, and I can't thank you enough for staying present in our lives. You always have a home with us, Bobby, and we love you like crazy. I'll never stop praying for that knock on the door, but please know that, wherever you are, you are loved and missed and still a huge part of our lives here on earth until we are one day reunited. Love you, Bobby."
Em of Somerset, Virginia - March 2, 2014

"My heart is with the family though it's been years since Seaman Macrum has been missing. I came across this website doing some research on the United States Navy, now I am watching the Carriers episode that tells the story of Seaman Macrum missing. I don't know how the family of these young men and women manage to continue on in the absence of their children. I have all the lov and respect a man can muster for his family, friends and shipmates. To his mother, I'm positive you will be reunited in Heaven with your son! Peace and love"
Jeff of Southern California USA

"I miss you, Bobby.

Memorial Day, 2013"
Bruce Macrum of Eagle Rock, CA

"Hi Bobby, I was just thinking about you and found this website, and read all the wonderful things about you. Just wanna say I miss you and I hope you are at peace. None of us will ever forget you."
Jesse Tiffany of Wisconsin

"It has been quite some time since I last talked to you onboard the USS Princeton. Just know that you are truly missed! "Eye of the Tiger"!"
Lawrence Guidry of Washington, DC

"Bobby I think about you all the time. Sometimes I wonder if anything could have been done different. Rest in peace brother and no matter what you are a hero to your friends and family, miss you bud!!"
BM2 McCurdy USS PRINCETON 2002-2007 of Denver, Colorado

"Many, many watches were stood with Macrum. He was professional, yet held on to his character and sense of humor. Peace be with him and his family."
Christopher Snere of Omaha, NE

"Dear Family and Friends of Robert, I am an Army Veteran and I have been watching the movie Carrier for a few days now. I heard about Robert via this movie and I have not been able to put him out of my mind. Since I dont believe this is for no reason I wanted to reach out to you all and tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I prayed for you all several times in the past few days. I know God loved Robert and that he died a very special hero. I hope to meet him one day in heaven to thank him for his service. God must have needed him very much to call him in the way he did.Again I want you to know that even though we are strangers there is a deep hurt in my heart. God be with you and give you the Peace that only He can give."
John Gianvito of North Bergen, N.J.

"Bobby, I remember having drinks with you downtown several times when we lived on the ship back in the day. You were always a good character and a funny guy. Remembering you on memorial day. You were a good shippy. Rest in Peace brother. Your friends and family miss you."
Shawn Duden of San Diego, CA

"Five years afterthe fact I still think about 2 o clock in the morning when they sounded man overboard. And all of deck devision had eys on the water. Our service together was brief Mac, but I still think about it. Specially you and MCCurdy and bryant allways horseplayin each other. GM3(SW) Dirk-Georg Oehl"
SGT Oehl, Dirk Georg of Fob Delta Iraq

"I am ex-navy I saw them search for him on PBS show carrier I feel the the commander of the task force gave all the time and more to finding him using all the assets he had his people searched over 4000 sq miles of ocean,and allowed the ship he was on to search a little longer after Nimitz moved on.Though I dont know the details of the investigation I found it odd the time laps from last seen to report of missing I hope they left no stone unturned,and if foul play was involved I hope the concious of the actors involved will someday force them to man up and admit what happened."
harvey harmon ex-mmfn of big spring texas usa

"Dear Macrum, Robert will not be forgotten.You are in our prayers. IN CHRIST,"
Pam Danny Reid of Saginaw,Tx.

"Like so many people, I heard about Bobby's story through Carrier. As both a US Navy veteran and a Gold Star stepmom, my heart breaks for your loss. Additionally, the mystery surrounding his death cannot be easy to bear. Please accept my deepest condolences to your whole family. May your wonderful son rest in peace.

With kindest regards,
Alison Jacobson
Stepmother to A1C Elizabeth N. Jacobson, USAF KIA 09/28/05 in Iraq"
Alison Jacobson of Cleveland, Ohio

"To the family of Seaman Apprentice Robert D. Macrum.
Last night I watched the programme Carrier which featured Bobby. I was so saddened by the loss of such a brave individual serving his country that I wanted to pay respect to him and to his family. God bless to you all."
Rod Clarke of Essex, England.

"August 20, 2008
To the family of Seaman Apprentice Robert D. Macrum:
Robert gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"I was watching the documentary "Carrier" on PBS. As a Mom of a 23 year old Navy Airmen myself...my heart broke when I heard them say someone was missing...my son has been out to sea twice now and I get totally sick when he is gone. Watching the show has helped me to understand a little bit about what these brave young people are going through. I know you have to be one of the proudest Mothers in the world...your son gave his life to protect every one of us...even though he is gone...he will never be forgotten!I know you miss him and I cant even begin to imagine how that feels. My heart breaks for your family. Even though I didn't know Bobby, he has left footprints on my heart. THANK YOU SA Robert(Bobby)D.Macrum!!"
Barbara Arnold (Navy Mom) of Wauchula, Florida

"I remember Bobby from Clements. He was always in high spirits bringing joy to everyone around him. Thank you Bobby for everything you have done. I am thankful for your service, your friendship, and your affect on those around you. I know you are looking down on us and I want you to know that you will never be forgotten!"
Jessica Cunkelman of Sugar Land, Texas

"BOBBY, THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER SEEN THIS WEBSITE. I MISS YOU SO MUCH EVERY DAY OF MY LIFE. I KEEP HOPING FOR MAGIC IN THAT SOME DAY MY DOORBELL WILL RING, I WILL OPEN THE DOOR AND SEE YOUR HANDSOME FACE WHEN YOU SAY "HELLO MOM." I GUESS I WILL NEVER KNOW WHAT REALLY HAPPENED TO YOU, BUT I DO KNOW HOW VERY PROUD OF YOU I AM FOR YOUR SHOWN DEDICATION TO YOUR COUNTRY. I WISH I JUST COULD HAVE HUGGED YOU ONE MORE TIME BEFORE YOU LEFT OR EVEN SEE YOU IN A DREAM AND YOU SMILE AND SAY "MOM, I WILL BE WAITING FOR YOU AND SHANNON." I LOVE YOU, I AM PROUD OF YOU, AND MOST OF ALL HEARTBROKEN THAT YOU ARE REALLY GONE. WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO BE AN ANGEL? I JUST KEEP ON GOING KNOWING THAT YOU ARE MY ANGEL AND YOU ARE IN A GOOD PLACE. I LOVE YOU DEARLY."
MARY MACRUM JONES of GILMER, TX

"February 17, 2008
To the family of Seaman Apprentice Robert D. Macrum:
Robert gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"I have known Bobby since the sixth grade. Him and I were partners in science class all the time. I am very sorry to hear about his loss. I am sure he is looking down on us. He was an amazing young man."
Andrew Hand of Missouri City, TX

"To the family of:Robert D. Macrum I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"First year gone - still like yesterday. Peace man."
Cody White (EN2) of Minnesota

"I went to Clements with Bobby and I am deeply saddened by this news. He was always good for a laugh-- a lighthearted guy who was the life of the party. I was at the party the night he annouced that he would be entering the NAVY. He was so excited.

I am proud to say I knew him and was a friend of his. I will pray for his safe return.

I know, though, if he did perish at sea, that he'll be waiting for me in Heaven with a smile, a cold beer and a good story."
Logan Fodrie of Sugarland, TX

"I served with Bobby onboard the USS Princeton but left a couple of months before his loss. He was a pleasure to be around the ship while on watch or just kicking back because he had a great sense of humor and spirit. I will remember him as a confident individual who always knew his way around his job because he was always one step ahead of the game. My sympathy goes out to his family for such an unnecessary loss."
Tomas of Dallas, TX

"NO ONE KNEW HIM AS ROBERT in fact if you were to call him that more than likely he would have punched you for it bobby was the leader of our "pack" if you would call it that when we were in high school back at good old clement's high school. I use to skip school with him and tryed in all honesty to be more like him all the time in high school even though he was one grade ahead of me, i am currently forward deployed out here in iraq but my home port/base is in bahrain, my self Trey Bono, Jimmy Mckinney, Paul TILTON AND THE REST OF OUR GROUP pray everyday for the safe return of our great friend "BOBBY" and our prayers are with you "MOM". I know for a fact that i have spent many hours fixing cars in bobbies drive way and drinking beer and having great times at your house and i cannot thank you enough for giving us bobby, MRS. Macrum you are a wonderful women and i am proud to call you mom with the rest of the guys if you ever need anything please let me know. 3106 stoney mist dr. sugarland tx ,,

MA3 DAVIS, HILLY
psc 451 box 700
fpo ae 09840"
MA3 DAVIS, HILLY of SUGAR LAND TX

"My first memory of Bobby is a humorous one. I don't remember the details, but I do know I was laughing so hard I was crying. Bobby was one of those truly rare individuals that is not afraid to be who they are no matter the circumstance surrounding them. He was a loyal friend who was true to himself as well as to others. He will be missed but never forgotten..."
Erin Keenright of Trinity, Texas

"I was deeply saddened today when a camp friend shared the news. There are a lof of people praying for you Bobby and your family today and remembering what an amazing person you were to know and love. Many of us at Camp Cullen had the privelage of knowing Bobby and we will never forget him. Bobby had an amazing spirit about him that people were drawn to. He could always make us laugh and was a friend to all. We are so proud to hear of all that you accomplished Bobby.
Love,
Nicki Saunders (Camp Director at YMCA Camp Cullen)"
Nicki Saunders of Trinity, Texas

"To the loved ones of Robert D, Macrum, my deepest, heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family at the loss of your precious son, brother, nephew and friend. Please know that your great sacrifice is not taken for granted and my heart is broken knowing that we have lost another brave, dedicated sailor/soldier in service to his country. I hope it comforts you to know others truly care. Thank you for Robert, I am sure he was a wonderful young man and he is what is right about America and what makes us all proud. May God bless and comfort you,
In sympathy, Mami (a member of the Blue Star Mothers Organization, the Modesto, Central Valley Chapter)"
Mami of Turlock, CA,

"I feel fortunate to have known Robert Macrum whom I will always remember as Bobby. I had the privilage of knowing Bobbys family and seeing Bobby grow up during two periods of his life. What I remember the most was his dirty blonde hair, mischevious smile, and eyes that sparkled with life. Bobby was a fun kid to be around and always kept things interesting. There is no question that Bobby was the apple of his mothers eye and was deeply loved by his sister. Unfortunately life eventually led me away from Bobbys family and I did not have the pleasure of knowing Bobby as a young man. Though I am confident Bobby became a handsome, confident and brave sailor that I will always remember gave his life protecting this country that I love.

I feel blessed to have these memories of such a beautiful soul.

My Heart And Prayers Go Out To The Krueger And Macrum Families.

God Bless You All."
Bradley K. Forman of Mashall, Texas

"Our condolences on your loss. Bobby was such a special young man - never a dull moment. But most importantly he had matured and served his Country loyally. We salute him for his courage and sacrifice. May he rest in the peace of the Saviour's arms."
The Beyers of Houston, TX

"Bobby, I will never give up hope that you might come home again. You are my special angel and always in my thoughts and prayers. I love you and miss you ....Mom"
Mary Macrum Jones of Gilmer, Texas/USA

"To the family and friends of Seaman Apprentice Robert Macrum: I am deeply saddened by the loss of your loved one. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers."
Jason D. Bullajian of Tyler, TX

"RIP SHIPMATE"
US Navy Sailor

"Thank you Robert Macrum, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Seaman Apprentice Robert Macrum:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Robert for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Seaman Apprentice Robert Macrum:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Robert, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia