The following information was taken from a phone conversation with Robert Shearn on July 6, 2011. Many thanks to Mr. Shearn for taking the time to call and share memories from his life and service:

When Robert Shearn was assigned as Engineering Officer of LCI(L)-11, he remembers Vice-Admiral Lorenzo Sabin Jr. telling him they were “scraping the bottom of the barrel.” Although the Vice-Admiral was joking, Mr. Shearn took exception to this. Robert Shearn was a member of the first LCI(L)-11 crew and was soon promoted to Executive Officer.

LCI(L)-11 left the United States and arrived in North Africa. They had a 42 year-old farmer from Minnesota [probably Joseph Rom] aboard for the voyage who got so seasick they had to “leave him on the beach” upon arrival.

On July 9, 1943, LCI(L)-11 landed at Licata, Sicily and successfully disembarked 75 men and 2 officers from the British Army. Mr. Shearn remembers the date, because it was his mother’s birthday. He said her prayers were with them that day as they suffered no damage or casualties.

Robert Shearn remembered John A. Hardy, part of the LCI crew, who was from Boston. He was known to signal incoming freighters to obtain good food and other provisions for the crew. Otherwise, they lived off Army rations. He said the LCI had a good crew of mostly “young men.”

Mr. Shearn departed LCI(L)-11 on December 20, 1943 (see below passenger lists) and entered Naval Submarine School in New London, Connecticut on January 2, 1944. He later served in the Pacific aboard the USS Pompon, a Gato Class Submarine. Mr. Shearn separated from the Navy after arriving in Mississippi via New Orleans for Navy Day on October 27, 1945. He later worked in sales and has remained active in the local Submariners Association. Originally from the Bronx, Mr. Shearn currently resides in Hampton Bays, New York. He has a wife, Madeline, and a large family, which includes 17 great-grandchildren.

Robert Shearn Passenger List - 12/29/43

Robert Shearn Passenger List - 12/29/43

The above documents show that Robert Shearn flew from Port Lyautey, French Morocco to the Port of New York December 26-29, 1943 aboard American Export Airlines. He was residing at 3308 Polo Place in the Bronx.

Tim Bishop (D-NY) and Robert Shearn

The above photo shows Congressman Tim Bishop (D-NY), in his Coram District Office, presenting Robert Shearn with his medals during a ceremony on January 3, 2008.

Bob’s obituary appeared courtesy of R.J. O’Shea Funeral Home, Inc.:

Robert W. Shearn of Hampton Bays, New York

February 8, 1918 – January 26, 2019

Robert W. “Bob” Shearn was born February 8, 1918, and died peaceably at his daughter Beth’s home, surrounded by family, on Saturday, January 26, 2019. Bob was proud of the fact he was in the first graduating class from Power Memorial Academy in NYC in 1935. He earned a BA and MA from St. Joseph’s Seminary (Dunwoody) and worked for the FBI before enlisting in the Navy in July 1942.

He attended Officer’s Candidate School at Columbia U. and Diesel Engineering School at Ohio State and was assigned to LCI 11 as Engineering Officer for troop landings in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. He answered the call for volunteers for the submarine service and served as Engineering and Fire Control Officer on the USS Pompon SS-267 during four war patrols in the South Pacific and Japan Sea. So proud of his Gold Dolphins! Bob had a successful sales career as Vice President of Lane Office Equipment in NYC for many years. Active in the Submarine Veterans of WW II, he served as its National Chaplain for the last six years of the organization’s existence. He was a proud member of the American Legion, Hand Aldrich Post 924. Bob was a Fire Commissioner in East Meadow and a School Board member in Massapequa during the rapid post-war growth of these communities. Along with Sen. Ed Speno, he worked to get public transportation for parochial schools. Into his eighties, Bob was a substitute teacher in the Southampton schools.

Throughout his life, Bob was most committed to his family, his Catholic Faith, and Pro-life causes. He was a lifelong active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Name Society. For many years, he and Madeline organized the Pro-Life bus trip to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and supported numerous causes for the protection of the Unborn. Bob is survived by his beautiful Madeline, beloved wife, and Mother to their shared family for more than 40 years; seven children; 16 grandchildren, and 32 great grandchildren. He so loved and cherished the children.

Visiting hours will be at R.J. O’Shea Funeral Home in Hampton Bays on Thursday, January 31 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. The Mass of Christian burial will be on Friday, February 1 at 10:30 am at The Church of St. Rosalie. Bob will be interred at Long Island National Cemetery with his first wife Betty, beloved wife and mother of 27 years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:
American Life League
P.O. Box 1350
Stafford, VA 22555
Or donate here: https://americanlifeleague.revv.co/donate?utm_source=website&utm_campaign+all

FLOT/USS LCI(L)-11 Officers and Crew