One Marine's War
On the right is shown the cover of One Marine's War, a biography mainly about Robert B. Sheeks, written by Gerald A. Meehl, published by the Naval Institute Press. The author, "Jerry" Meehl, first met Bob Sheeks in 1979, in Sabah, Borneo. Jerry's idea and research for this book began in 1995. Sixteen years later the book's release date was on May 15, 2012. The first two book signing events were held on July 24 at the Boulder Book Store and July 26, 2012 at the Tattered Cover Book Store in Denver, Colorado. The latest signing event took place at the USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Sunday November 11, (Veteran's Day) and Monday November 12, 2012. A special guest who attended the event was Mr. Daniel Martinez of the National Park Service, historian and television personality. Copies can be ordered through Amazon.com or any major book retailer. Future book signing locations will be announced here.
At a point in history, when our nation was suddenly thrown into an unwanted world war, the focus of the military and the American public was revenge and total victory over Japan. But as much as victory in World War II inevitably entailed death and destruction, winning the war also needed clear-minded winning methods against enemy resistance. Lt. Sheeks developed various methods, but then had to convince most of his fellow Marines, that valuable intelligence could be gained from Japanese POWs and is worth the risks involved. His mission would employ a variety of means to induce surrenders, including use of surrender leaflets and loud speaker systems, some of which were powerful and jeep-mounted that he personally developed. These means alone would not have been effective unless he also had the cooperation of Marines engaged in combat and their realization of benefits to be gained by inducing Japanese troops to give themselves up and not fight to the last man.
Despite strong anti-Japanese emotions and attitudes facing him, young Lt. Sheeks knew, however, that were he given the chance to persuade enemy combatants (as well as civilians) to surrender, he would be able to help provide his Division's D-2 intelligence section with valuable information about resisting enemy troops, emplacement locations, and weapons. He was convinced that such information could lead to saving lives, on both sides. Under battlefield conditions, Lt. Sheeks' leadership displayed a sense of trust and patience with whom he served with and the Japanese who could eventually give themselves up. He was strongly motivated and determined, able to stay calm and focused on what he firmly believed he could accomplish. This is the true story of how Lt. Robert B. Sheeks carried out that mission.
At a point in history, when our nation was suddenly thrown into an unwanted world war, the focus of the military and the American public was revenge and total victory over Japan. But as much as victory in World War II inevitably entailed death and destruction, winning the war also needed clear-minded winning methods against enemy resistance. Lt. Sheeks developed various methods, but then had to convince most of his fellow Marines, that valuable intelligence could be gained from Japanese POWs and is worth the risks involved. His mission would employ a variety of means to induce surrenders, including use of surrender leaflets and loud speaker systems, some of which were powerful and jeep-mounted that he personally developed. These means alone would not have been effective unless he also had the cooperation of Marines engaged in combat and their realization of benefits to be gained by inducing Japanese troops to give themselves up and not fight to the last man.
Despite strong anti-Japanese emotions and attitudes facing him, young Lt. Sheeks knew, however, that were he given the chance to persuade enemy combatants (as well as civilians) to surrender, he would be able to help provide his Division's D-2 intelligence section with valuable information about resisting enemy troops, emplacement locations, and weapons. He was convinced that such information could lead to saving lives, on both sides. Under battlefield conditions, Lt. Sheeks' leadership displayed a sense of trust and patience with whom he served with and the Japanese who could eventually give themselves up. He was strongly motivated and determined, able to stay calm and focused on what he firmly believed he could accomplish. This is the true story of how Lt. Robert B. Sheeks carried out that mission.
Endorsements from the book dust cover.
Book Reviews
Naval History Magazine (August 8, 2012) by Colonel Curt Marsh, USMCR (Ret):
| navalhistorybookreview.pdf |
Japan Times News (Sunday, July 29, 2012) by Mark Schilling:
| japantimesreview.pdf |
Leatherneck Magazine (May, 2012) by Robert B. Loring:
| leatherneckmagazinebookreview.pdf |
New Zealand International Review (July/August, 2012) by Ian McGibbon:
| newzealandinternationalreview.pdf |
Seapower Magazine Ship's Library (September, 2012):
| seapower-september-2012-4.pdf |
| seapower2.pdf |
Amazon Books (May 13, 2012) by J.E. Smith:
| amazonbookreview.pdf |
Proceedings Magazine NIP (Naval Institute Press) (December, 2012) by Robert Fahs:
| proceedings_magazine.pdf |
Journal of Military History (January, 2013) by Stanley L. Falk:
| skmbt_60113011014271.pdf |
The Journal of America's Military Past - JAMP (Winter 2013) by Roger D. Cunningham:
| thejournalofamericasmilitarypast-jamp.pdf |
Baird Maritime, Australia (December 2012).
| baird_maritimone_marinereview.pdf |
The Asia Foundation Alumni Bulletin (January 2013) Review by Ernie Powell.
| the_asia_foundation_alumni_association_news.pdf |
THE NORTHERN MARINER (a Canadian journal), XXIII No.3, (July 2013) pp. 322-324; the reviewer: Ambjorn L. Adomeit, of London, Ontario.
| cnrs-scrn.orgnorthern_marinervol23tnm_23_br_297-337.pdf |
Guerres & Histoire (a French journal), "Wars and History". October 2013 issue (includes translation).
| guerres__histoire__oct_2013.pdf |
H-War. Review by Jeremy Maxwell, November 2015.
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Official Archive Photos in R. B. Sheeks Collection. At the sidebar on the right, click on individual images (or click PLAY on the left). Captions have been added below each photograph.
Bronze Star with Combat "V"
Lt. Robert B. Sheeks was awarded The Bronze Star medal received for his service on Saipan and Tinian.
The Citation reads: " For heroic achievement as an Interpreter of the Intelligence Section of the Second Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian, Marianas Islands, from 16 June to 1 August 1944. Pioneering in devising methods of directing combat propaganda at the Japanese prior to the Marianas Campaign, First Lieutenant Sheeks prepared several means of propaganda used during this campaign. When large numbers of civilians were driven into hiding by our advance during the latter stages of the operations, he moved with front line units despite considerable personal danger and utilized public address systems to call civilians and soldiers out of hiding, thereby effecting the surrender of large numbers of the enemy. By his ability, perseverance and devotion to duty, he materially reduced hostile resistance and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." First Lieutenant Sheeks is authorized to wear the Combat "V". For the President, Signed by John L. Sullivan, Secretary of the Navy.
The Citation reads: " For heroic achievement as an Interpreter of the Intelligence Section of the Second Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian, Marianas Islands, from 16 June to 1 August 1944. Pioneering in devising methods of directing combat propaganda at the Japanese prior to the Marianas Campaign, First Lieutenant Sheeks prepared several means of propaganda used during this campaign. When large numbers of civilians were driven into hiding by our advance during the latter stages of the operations, he moved with front line units despite considerable personal danger and utilized public address systems to call civilians and soldiers out of hiding, thereby effecting the surrender of large numbers of the enemy. By his ability, perseverance and devotion to duty, he materially reduced hostile resistance and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." First Lieutenant Sheeks is authorized to wear the Combat "V". For the President, Signed by John L. Sullivan, Secretary of the Navy.
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION
At Tarawa Robert Sheeks landed on D-Day, with orders to interrogate captured Japanese prisoners. No live POW's became available until two days later. After the Tarawa battle, the Division comprising Division Headquarters and the 2nd, 6th, 8th, 10th and 18th Marine Regiments plus tank battalion and special troops was awarded the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION, which reads:
"For outstanding performance in combat during the seizure and occupation of the Japanese-held Atoll of Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, November 20 to 24, 1943. Forced by treacherous coral reefs to disembark from their landing craft hundreds of yards off the beach, the Second Marine Division (Reinforced) became a highly vulnerable target for devastating Japanese fire. Dauntlessly advancing in spite of rapidly mounting losses, the Marines fought a gallant battle against crushing odds, clearing the limited beachheads of snipers and machine guns, reducing powerfully fortified enemy positions and completely annihilating the fanatically determined and strongly entrenched Japanese forces. By the successful occupation of Tarawa, the Second Marine Division (Reinforced) has provided our forces with highly strategic and important air and land bases from which to continue future operations against the enemy; by the valiant fighting spirit of these men, their heroic fortitude under punishing fire and their relentless perserverance in waging this epic battle in the Central Pacific, they have upheld the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service." For the President. (signed) James Forrestal, Acting Secretary of the Navy
See Page Two to view copy of the original document.
At Tarawa Robert Sheeks landed on D-Day, with orders to interrogate captured Japanese prisoners. No live POW's became available until two days later. After the Tarawa battle, the Division comprising Division Headquarters and the 2nd, 6th, 8th, 10th and 18th Marine Regiments plus tank battalion and special troops was awarded the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION, which reads:
"For outstanding performance in combat during the seizure and occupation of the Japanese-held Atoll of Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, November 20 to 24, 1943. Forced by treacherous coral reefs to disembark from their landing craft hundreds of yards off the beach, the Second Marine Division (Reinforced) became a highly vulnerable target for devastating Japanese fire. Dauntlessly advancing in spite of rapidly mounting losses, the Marines fought a gallant battle against crushing odds, clearing the limited beachheads of snipers and machine guns, reducing powerfully fortified enemy positions and completely annihilating the fanatically determined and strongly entrenched Japanese forces. By the successful occupation of Tarawa, the Second Marine Division (Reinforced) has provided our forces with highly strategic and important air and land bases from which to continue future operations against the enemy; by the valiant fighting spirit of these men, their heroic fortitude under punishing fire and their relentless perserverance in waging this epic battle in the Central Pacific, they have upheld the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service." For the President. (signed) James Forrestal, Acting Secretary of the Navy
See Page Two to view copy of the original document.
Robert Sheeks in 1930 Shanghai.
Growing up in Shanghai, China.
Born April 8, 1922 in China to American parents, Robert grew up spending his early boyhood in Shanghai. His life in China would prove to have profound effects on him for the rest of his life.
In the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, he attended the Shanghai American School until thirteen years of age. Robert had a fun-filled, carefree boy's life. Very early he learned to speak fluently the Shanghai dialect of Chinese, and later studied Mandarin Chinese. As a typical youngster, Robert spent free time playing with friends, riding his bicycle, raising a pet mynah bird and catching and matching fighting crickets with other youngsters.
While in China, one of Robert's fond memories was watching and admiring the legendary Fourth Marines, that had been stationed to guard Shanghai since 1937. The Marines had to pull out after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941.
However, the idyllic life would soon come to an end. In 1931, Japan invaded Manchuria and soon after, sporadic warfare broke out elsewhere in China. Japan's attack on Shanghai took place in 1932. Robert witnessed some horrific scenes of brutal Japanese attacks on Chinese. Also in 1932, when Robert was ten years old, his mother died from breast cancer, and was buried at Bubbling Wells Cemetery in Shanghai. Robert and his father (George L.) and his elder brother (George H.), repatriated to the U. S. in 1935, thus luckily avoiding the full-scale Japanese invasion and occupation of China which followed two years later, in 1937.
Born April 8, 1922 in China to American parents, Robert grew up spending his early boyhood in Shanghai. His life in China would prove to have profound effects on him for the rest of his life.
In the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, he attended the Shanghai American School until thirteen years of age. Robert had a fun-filled, carefree boy's life. Very early he learned to speak fluently the Shanghai dialect of Chinese, and later studied Mandarin Chinese. As a typical youngster, Robert spent free time playing with friends, riding his bicycle, raising a pet mynah bird and catching and matching fighting crickets with other youngsters.
While in China, one of Robert's fond memories was watching and admiring the legendary Fourth Marines, that had been stationed to guard Shanghai since 1937. The Marines had to pull out after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941.
However, the idyllic life would soon come to an end. In 1931, Japan invaded Manchuria and soon after, sporadic warfare broke out elsewhere in China. Japan's attack on Shanghai took place in 1932. Robert witnessed some horrific scenes of brutal Japanese attacks on Chinese. Also in 1932, when Robert was ten years old, his mother died from breast cancer, and was buried at Bubbling Wells Cemetery in Shanghai. Robert and his father (George L.) and his elder brother (George H.), repatriated to the U. S. in 1935, thus luckily avoiding the full-scale Japanese invasion and occupation of China which followed two years later, in 1937.
Lt. Robert B. Sheeks on Saipan 1945.
The War Years: 1938 to 1945.
In 1938, Robert Sheeks enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve, 14th Battalion at Spokane, Washington, at age 16.5 [under the required age, but thanks to a helpful recruiting officer]. Besides weekly drill and class sessions, and a rifle range practice on weekends, he had one summer of field training at Bremerton Navy Yard, Puget Sound, with war game maneuvers in Washington's coastal Cascade Mountains in 1940. Robert had submitted his application to Harvard. He was accepted on a scholarship and entered Harvard College in September 1940. In 1941 he enrolled in the Army Air Corps flight training program at Felts Field, Spokane Washington; got a Private Pilot License; became an Army Air Corps Reservist, and held a summer job assisting a commercial aerial photographer to take photos of farmlands in eastern Washington for the owners.
Right after Pearl Harbor, Sheeks was recruited out of college by the U.S. Navy intelligence in Washington D.C., to be crash-trained in Japanese language and intelligence; then to be commissioned in the Marine Corps. The Navy got on his trail because they thought he would learn Japanese rapidly, as he could speak Chinese, and had studied some written Chinese and Japanese.
The Navy's Japanese language training lasted a year, first at U.C. Berkeley, then at The University of Colorado at Boulder. In early 1943, Sheeks was on training duty at Camp Elliott Marine Base, San Diego; from there he was assigned to the Second Marine Division, which he joined at Wellington, New Zealand. From New Zealand, he was then sent on temporary assignment to COMSOPAC, Adm. Halsey's H.Q., in Noumea New Caledonia. Several months of special duties at Noumea included translation of enemy military documents taken at Guadalcanal, and interrogation of the six surviving crew members of Japanese Submarine I-17 sunk near Noumea on August 18, 1943. It turned out to be the submarine that soon after Pearl Harbor had shelled an oilfield installation in California near Santa Barbara. From New Caledonia he rejoined the Second Marine Division Intelligence Section in New Zealand; landed at Tarawa on D-Day in November 1943; likewise on the D-Days at Saipan and Tinian in June and July 1944.
In late March 1945, Lt. Sheeks embarked at Saipan with the Second Marine Division for the Okinawa campaign. His transport ship was at the anchorage off the landing beaches of Okinawa by the night of 31 March, for the assault to begin on 01 April. The transport ship next to his was struck and set ablaze by a diving kamikaze plane, as were a number of other vessels during the days of the operation. The Second Division was held in "floating reserve", but one regiment went ashore into battle. Because initial landings were virtually unopposed, the Japanese defenders at Okinawa successfully misled the American forces to believe that their land resistance would be minimal, so most of the 2nd Division was sent back to Saipan to continue to be based there.
During Lt. Sheeks' stay on Saipan, aside from language duties during mopping-up operations, he was assigned to Civil Affairs to help restoration of Saipan's commercial fishing. He served at the direction of Lt. George M. Taggart, USNR who was in charge of fishery development. Together they worked to put into operation salvaged skipjack tuna boats sunk during the invasion, (On Saipan, shortly after the invasion Lt. G. M. Taggart, USNR, salvaged four sunk Japanese fishing vessels and started them producing bonito with Japanese crews, source: Fisheries Leaflet 239). Sheeks' special assignment was as security monitor, to help detect if there were undue risks of the Okinawan boat captains and crews fleeing to nearby islands still controlled by Japanese forces. Sheeks soon found and reported there was no danger, but that he enjoyed the fishing and limitless meals of fresh raw tuna sashimi, a welcome change from military rations.
After being based at Saipan for a total of 14 months, Sheeks was en route to San Pedro, California via Pearl Harbor for temporary home leave prior to the U.S. planned invasion of Japan's mainland. Just then, in August of 1945, the war with Japan ended. Released from active duty, Robert went back to complete college education at Harvard, graduating in 1946 Magna cum Laude in Asian History and Languages. The 1946 Commencement at Harvard was the first one after the end of WWII. Receiving Harvard honorary degrees on that occasion for their wartime service were civilian and military leaders, including Army Chief of Staff General Eisenhower, Navy Admiral Nimitz, Marine Corps Commandant Vandegrift, and Army Air Corps General Arnold. Sheeks felt especially honored by being chosen by Harvard to serve that day as the student commencement speaker, and Valedictorian representing his Class of 1944 students, plus the students of other graduation year classes, whose graduations had been postponed by WWII.
In 1938, Robert Sheeks enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve, 14th Battalion at Spokane, Washington, at age 16.5 [under the required age, but thanks to a helpful recruiting officer]. Besides weekly drill and class sessions, and a rifle range practice on weekends, he had one summer of field training at Bremerton Navy Yard, Puget Sound, with war game maneuvers in Washington's coastal Cascade Mountains in 1940. Robert had submitted his application to Harvard. He was accepted on a scholarship and entered Harvard College in September 1940. In 1941 he enrolled in the Army Air Corps flight training program at Felts Field, Spokane Washington; got a Private Pilot License; became an Army Air Corps Reservist, and held a summer job assisting a commercial aerial photographer to take photos of farmlands in eastern Washington for the owners.
Right after Pearl Harbor, Sheeks was recruited out of college by the U.S. Navy intelligence in Washington D.C., to be crash-trained in Japanese language and intelligence; then to be commissioned in the Marine Corps. The Navy got on his trail because they thought he would learn Japanese rapidly, as he could speak Chinese, and had studied some written Chinese and Japanese.
The Navy's Japanese language training lasted a year, first at U.C. Berkeley, then at The University of Colorado at Boulder. In early 1943, Sheeks was on training duty at Camp Elliott Marine Base, San Diego; from there he was assigned to the Second Marine Division, which he joined at Wellington, New Zealand. From New Zealand, he was then sent on temporary assignment to COMSOPAC, Adm. Halsey's H.Q., in Noumea New Caledonia. Several months of special duties at Noumea included translation of enemy military documents taken at Guadalcanal, and interrogation of the six surviving crew members of Japanese Submarine I-17 sunk near Noumea on August 18, 1943. It turned out to be the submarine that soon after Pearl Harbor had shelled an oilfield installation in California near Santa Barbara. From New Caledonia he rejoined the Second Marine Division Intelligence Section in New Zealand; landed at Tarawa on D-Day in November 1943; likewise on the D-Days at Saipan and Tinian in June and July 1944.
In late March 1945, Lt. Sheeks embarked at Saipan with the Second Marine Division for the Okinawa campaign. His transport ship was at the anchorage off the landing beaches of Okinawa by the night of 31 March, for the assault to begin on 01 April. The transport ship next to his was struck and set ablaze by a diving kamikaze plane, as were a number of other vessels during the days of the operation. The Second Division was held in "floating reserve", but one regiment went ashore into battle. Because initial landings were virtually unopposed, the Japanese defenders at Okinawa successfully misled the American forces to believe that their land resistance would be minimal, so most of the 2nd Division was sent back to Saipan to continue to be based there.
During Lt. Sheeks' stay on Saipan, aside from language duties during mopping-up operations, he was assigned to Civil Affairs to help restoration of Saipan's commercial fishing. He served at the direction of Lt. George M. Taggart, USNR who was in charge of fishery development. Together they worked to put into operation salvaged skipjack tuna boats sunk during the invasion, (On Saipan, shortly after the invasion Lt. G. M. Taggart, USNR, salvaged four sunk Japanese fishing vessels and started them producing bonito with Japanese crews, source: Fisheries Leaflet 239). Sheeks' special assignment was as security monitor, to help detect if there were undue risks of the Okinawan boat captains and crews fleeing to nearby islands still controlled by Japanese forces. Sheeks soon found and reported there was no danger, but that he enjoyed the fishing and limitless meals of fresh raw tuna sashimi, a welcome change from military rations.
After being based at Saipan for a total of 14 months, Sheeks was en route to San Pedro, California via Pearl Harbor for temporary home leave prior to the U.S. planned invasion of Japan's mainland. Just then, in August of 1945, the war with Japan ended. Released from active duty, Robert went back to complete college education at Harvard, graduating in 1946 Magna cum Laude in Asian History and Languages. The 1946 Commencement at Harvard was the first one after the end of WWII. Receiving Harvard honorary degrees on that occasion for their wartime service were civilian and military leaders, including Army Chief of Staff General Eisenhower, Navy Admiral Nimitz, Marine Corps Commandant Vandegrift, and Army Air Corps General Arnold. Sheeks felt especially honored by being chosen by Harvard to serve that day as the student commencement speaker, and Valedictorian representing his Class of 1944 students, plus the students of other graduation year classes, whose graduations had been postponed by WWII.
Download the file below to view actual combat film footage (filmed without sound) of Lt. Robert B. Sheeks on Saipan. This short section of footage was shot by Combat Cameraman S/Sgt. John F. Ercole, USMC, June 25, 1944. Courtesy of The National Archives, Washington D.C.
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Robert B. Sheeks 1967
Postwar Work and Professional Experience.
Robert completed college education in 1946, graduating from Harvard College with a Bachelor's Degree, Magna cum Laude in Far Eastern Studies. He went on to receive from Harvard University in 1948 a two-year Master's Degree in China Regional Studies.
Robert’s Harvard Class of 1944 was an especially distinguished one. It has ultimately contained five Nobel Prize winners, the most of any college class.
Robert's first employment after university was in 1948, as a Research Analyst on China for the Department of the Army, in Washington D.C. He was scheduled to be posted to a military attache office in China. At that time, however, American governmental offices were closing down as China was being taken over by Chinese Communist military forces. In 1949, Robert transferred to the U. S. Information Service (USIS) under the Department of State. He was assigned overseas to serve as Director of the USIS in Taiwan and concurrently as Public Affairs Officer of the American Embassy at Taipei. While in Taiwan, among other achievements, Robert founded in 1951, the Chinese-language magazine and publishing organization, "Harvest". Today, over sixty years later, it remains the most successful journal and publisher in Taiwan on rural affairs, agriculture and farm community development.
In 1952 Robert commenced a ten-year career as Representative for the CFA (Committee for a Free Asia) later renamed, The Asia Foundation (San Francisco) and served in Malaya and Singapore for three years and briefly in Korea. Upon return from overseas, he served in the home office of the Asia Foundation in San Francisco and became a resident of Marin County. In 1963, he undertook a new position as Associate Director of the Pacific Science Board, National Academy of Sciences, Washington D.C. In 1972, Robert left public service and began an independent career as a Singapore-based consultant for Project Management & Business Development in Asia. His successful consulting service included work in such widely diverse fields as industrial cables for offshore oil production, commercial marine algae production, and agribusiness in Southeast Asia.
Robert has lived and worked in the Pacific-Far East area most of his life, residing in China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia for extended periods. Now retired, he has made northern California his permanent home, but has made repeated visits to Asian countries for business and pleasure. He stayed active in the USMC Reserve in California through the 1960's, and was promoted to the reserve rank of Major.
In 1994, at the invitation of Governor Tenorio of Saipan, Robert revisited the island with other veterans to participate in the 50th Commemorative Anniversary of the World War II landings. They were honored by a special parade and feast. While there Robert toured well-remembered locations on both Saipan and Tinian Islands. He made military artifact contributions to the local museum and was interviewed for television by the widely-known historian, Daniel Martinez, of the National Park Service at Pearl Harbor. See Page Two of this website to view the pictures taken during the 1994 Reunion on Saipan.
This April 2012, Robert celebrated his 90th birthday but remains actively involved with projects, domestic and international, and stays busy writing memoirs of his life. He resides in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California, surrounded by friends and family. He and his beloved wife, the former Ms. Bao Mei Liu of Taiwan, often visit that island. They also travel elsewhere on occasion, and recently returned from tourism trips to Europe and South America. This past 2012 Christmas season, Robert and his wife revisited Taiwan and Sabah, Malaysia. In Taichung, Taiwan they visited with three generations of BaoMei's family. In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah they visited with Robert's old friends and colleagues from the years in the 1970's when he was helping to initiate and develop Sabah's now booming marine seaweed aquaculture industry.
Robert completed college education in 1946, graduating from Harvard College with a Bachelor's Degree, Magna cum Laude in Far Eastern Studies. He went on to receive from Harvard University in 1948 a two-year Master's Degree in China Regional Studies.
Robert’s Harvard Class of 1944 was an especially distinguished one. It has ultimately contained five Nobel Prize winners, the most of any college class.
Robert's first employment after university was in 1948, as a Research Analyst on China for the Department of the Army, in Washington D.C. He was scheduled to be posted to a military attache office in China. At that time, however, American governmental offices were closing down as China was being taken over by Chinese Communist military forces. In 1949, Robert transferred to the U. S. Information Service (USIS) under the Department of State. He was assigned overseas to serve as Director of the USIS in Taiwan and concurrently as Public Affairs Officer of the American Embassy at Taipei. While in Taiwan, among other achievements, Robert founded in 1951, the Chinese-language magazine and publishing organization, "Harvest". Today, over sixty years later, it remains the most successful journal and publisher in Taiwan on rural affairs, agriculture and farm community development.
In 1952 Robert commenced a ten-year career as Representative for the CFA (Committee for a Free Asia) later renamed, The Asia Foundation (San Francisco) and served in Malaya and Singapore for three years and briefly in Korea. Upon return from overseas, he served in the home office of the Asia Foundation in San Francisco and became a resident of Marin County. In 1963, he undertook a new position as Associate Director of the Pacific Science Board, National Academy of Sciences, Washington D.C. In 1972, Robert left public service and began an independent career as a Singapore-based consultant for Project Management & Business Development in Asia. His successful consulting service included work in such widely diverse fields as industrial cables for offshore oil production, commercial marine algae production, and agribusiness in Southeast Asia.
Robert has lived and worked in the Pacific-Far East area most of his life, residing in China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia for extended periods. Now retired, he has made northern California his permanent home, but has made repeated visits to Asian countries for business and pleasure. He stayed active in the USMC Reserve in California through the 1960's, and was promoted to the reserve rank of Major.
In 1994, at the invitation of Governor Tenorio of Saipan, Robert revisited the island with other veterans to participate in the 50th Commemorative Anniversary of the World War II landings. They were honored by a special parade and feast. While there Robert toured well-remembered locations on both Saipan and Tinian Islands. He made military artifact contributions to the local museum and was interviewed for television by the widely-known historian, Daniel Martinez, of the National Park Service at Pearl Harbor. See Page Two of this website to view the pictures taken during the 1994 Reunion on Saipan.
This April 2012, Robert celebrated his 90th birthday but remains actively involved with projects, domestic and international, and stays busy writing memoirs of his life. He resides in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California, surrounded by friends and family. He and his beloved wife, the former Ms. Bao Mei Liu of Taiwan, often visit that island. They also travel elsewhere on occasion, and recently returned from tourism trips to Europe and South America. This past 2012 Christmas season, Robert and his wife revisited Taiwan and Sabah, Malaysia. In Taichung, Taiwan they visited with three generations of BaoMei's family. In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah they visited with Robert's old friends and colleagues from the years in the 1970's when he was helping to initiate and develop Sabah's now booming marine seaweed aquaculture industry.
Robert Sheeks has authored or co-authored the following:
The Organization and Support of Scientific Research and Development in Mainland China 1970. With Dr. Yuan-Li Wu an others. Published for the National Science Foundation, by Praeger Publishers, New York, Washington, London.
Directory of Selected Scientific Institutions in Mainland China. 1971. With Dr. Yuan-Li Wu, and others. Published for the National Science Foundation by the Hoover Institution Press, Stanford University, Stanford, California. Hoover Institution Publication Series, #96. 490 selected research and development institutions. Fields include physical science, biology, medical an agricultural sciences and engineering.
Science, Technology, and the Cultural Revolution in China, presented at the University Seminar On Modern East Asia. Columbia University, N.Y. October 11, 1967.
Algae, Aquaculture and Sabah, two part article published in Bulletin of Society of Agricultural Scientists, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Vol. V, June 1982 and Vol. VI, December 1982.
"Science in China - Past and Present" The Encyclopedia Americana 1967.
"Science in China Today" Science Year, 1966.
"Science Policy in Taiwan", presentation paper for Association of Asian Studies, Conference, Boston 1962.
WWII Documentary Film Adaptations:
Robert Sheeks served as the USIS (the United States Information Service) Director in Taiwan and Public Affairs Officer for the American Embassy. Among his other duties, Robert was in charge of adapting English language films for Chinese audiences by substituting Chinese language sound tracks. The adapted films included two WWII documentaries of military actions in which he had personally participated, “With the Marines at Tarawa” and “The Battle for the Marianas”.
“Democracy at Stake in the East” Text of valedictory speech at Harvard, June 6, 1946:
At Harvard’s first commencement following WWII, Robert Sheeks (Class of 1944) was the valedictorian student speaker on June 6, 1946, he spoke representing students of five Harvard classes whose graduations had been postponed by the war. His speech title was “Democracy at Stake in the East”, warning of the rise of militaristic regimes and the imperative need for American foreign policy in Asia to embody America’s highest political principles, and emphasizing the importance of practicing them in action in the U.S. and abroad.
Unpublished Master's Degree Monograph on "The I-Ho Chuan and It's Role in the Boxer Movement" Harvard University, 1948.
"Civilians on Saipan", article, Far Eastern Survey, May 1945.
Study of Japanese Defenses of Betio Island (Tarawa Atoll) Part 1, Fortifications and Weapons (JICPOA) 20 December 1943.
The Organization and Support of Scientific Research and Development in Mainland China 1970. With Dr. Yuan-Li Wu an others. Published for the National Science Foundation, by Praeger Publishers, New York, Washington, London.
Directory of Selected Scientific Institutions in Mainland China. 1971. With Dr. Yuan-Li Wu, and others. Published for the National Science Foundation by the Hoover Institution Press, Stanford University, Stanford, California. Hoover Institution Publication Series, #96. 490 selected research and development institutions. Fields include physical science, biology, medical an agricultural sciences and engineering.
Science, Technology, and the Cultural Revolution in China, presented at the University Seminar On Modern East Asia. Columbia University, N.Y. October 11, 1967.
Algae, Aquaculture and Sabah, two part article published in Bulletin of Society of Agricultural Scientists, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Vol. V, June 1982 and Vol. VI, December 1982.
"Science in China - Past and Present" The Encyclopedia Americana 1967.
"Science in China Today" Science Year, 1966.
"Science Policy in Taiwan", presentation paper for Association of Asian Studies, Conference, Boston 1962.
WWII Documentary Film Adaptations:
Robert Sheeks served as the USIS (the United States Information Service) Director in Taiwan and Public Affairs Officer for the American Embassy. Among his other duties, Robert was in charge of adapting English language films for Chinese audiences by substituting Chinese language sound tracks. The adapted films included two WWII documentaries of military actions in which he had personally participated, “With the Marines at Tarawa” and “The Battle for the Marianas”.
“Democracy at Stake in the East” Text of valedictory speech at Harvard, June 6, 1946:
At Harvard’s first commencement following WWII, Robert Sheeks (Class of 1944) was the valedictorian student speaker on June 6, 1946, he spoke representing students of five Harvard classes whose graduations had been postponed by the war. His speech title was “Democracy at Stake in the East”, warning of the rise of militaristic regimes and the imperative need for American foreign policy in Asia to embody America’s highest political principles, and emphasizing the importance of practicing them in action in the U.S. and abroad.
Unpublished Master's Degree Monograph on "The I-Ho Chuan and It's Role in the Boxer Movement" Harvard University, 1948.
"Civilians on Saipan", article, Far Eastern Survey, May 1945.
Study of Japanese Defenses of Betio Island (Tarawa Atoll) Part 1, Fortifications and Weapons (JICPOA) 20 December 1943.
Seah Kim-Joo. Artist's Promotional Brochure, Singapore 1970. Batik Painting and Seah by Robert B. Sheeks.
Founder of HARVEST MAGAZINE. Taipei, Taiwan, 1951.
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CHINA and the WEST. Information Technology Transfer. From Printing Press to Computer Era. By Dr. Bruce H. Billings. November, 1997. Robert B. Sheeks served as Editor and assisted in completing the manuscript prior to publication.
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Click on the image to enlarge.
For more about Robert B. Sheeks and his experiences in World War II, see the following:
Follow Me! The Story of the Second Marine Division in World War II, by Richard W. Johnston, Random House, 1948. (see pages 231 and 238 photos of Robert in action at Saipan)
PACIFIC WAR STORIES by Rex Alan Smith and Gerald A. Meehl. Abbeville Press Publishers, New York and London, 2004. (see pages 181 to 197 about Robert's life and work)
PACIFIC LEGACY, Image and Memory from World War II in the Pacific, by Rex Alan Smith and Gerald A. Meehl. Abbevile Press, New York, London, 2002. (see pages 240 to 245 for photo scenes of Robert in action at Tarawa, Saipan and Tinian)
Special Note: Lt. Robert B. Sheeks has appeared in several WWII film footage archive documentaries including: VICTORY AT SEA, THE WORLD AT WAR, THE MARINES AT TARAWA, BATTLE FOR THE MARIANAS, and THE SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL ARCHIVES. All of which can be viewed on YouTube.
Map of Taiwan. Click image to enlarge.
Related websites. For further information, click blue highlighted captions below:
OPERATION: CAUSEWAY. The planned invasion of Taiwan.
An interview with Major Robert B. Sheeks USMCR Ret.
OPERATION: CAUSEWAY. The planned invasion of Taiwan.
An interview with Major Robert B. Sheeks USMCR Ret.
Click to Enlarge Image.
Website of Lt. Cmdr. George M. Taggart
Click to enlarge image.
Robert B. Sheeks and Vice President Nixon's 1953 Malaya Visit.
Special Thanks and Acknowledgment!
This webpage has been enhanced by the kind support and contributions of Susan Strange, Independent Researcher, McLean, Virginia. Her assistance with providing archive photographs, documents, and film footage is very much appreciated. Special recognition and thanks also goes to Midori Yanagihara, NHK (Japan) Washington D.C. Norm Hatch, USMC Ret. - Arlington, Virginia. Rick Spooner, USMC Ret. - Stafford, Virginia. Neil Abelsma CIV - Former Curator, National Museum of the Marine Corps, Triangle, Virginia. Walt Ford, Publisher of Leatherneck Magazine, Quantico, Virginia. Roger Dingman, USMC Ret. and author. Daniel Martinez, Pacific War Historian and author, National Park Service, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Col. Harry D. Pratt, USMC Ret. Ambassador F. Haydn Williams, World War II veteran Pacific USN. Dan S. Williams, USMC Ret. David Hays, Researcher and Archivist, University of Colorado, Boulder (The JLS Project). Diana Schneider, Gail and Laura Sheeks (Robert's nieces). George H. Sheeks, USN Ret., (Robert's brother). Mr. Peter T. Wilson, author.
Copyright and Disclaimer Statement:
This website contains a collection of privately owned photographs as well as official archive photographs that are in the public domain. Building of this site began in June of 2012, and is a work in progress. Questions, Comments, and Suggestions are welcomed. Messages can be sent to the website producer and administrator: BobSheeks@aol.com (R.B. Sheeks' son)
This website contains a collection of privately owned photographs as well as official archive photographs that are in the public domain. Building of this site began in June of 2012, and is a work in progress. Questions, Comments, and Suggestions are welcomed. Messages can be sent to the website producer and administrator: BobSheeks@aol.com (R.B. Sheeks' son)
