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Click on the thumbnail to view a larger picture of the document This is a letter of commendation received for bravery
Bronze Star Certificate
This is his discharge paper
This is the Telegram my mom received after dad was injured
This postcard actually arrived BEFORE the telegram
This is a letter home written using his left hand (his right index finger had just been amputated) while in the hospital in France
Looking at the Medical History you will see that Bob had powder burns to his face and right eyelid. He was also deaf for some time due to the concussion from the explosion. He was lying face down when the mortar went off. It is my conclusion that the German mortar hit so close that the bulk of the explosion actually went over him. Had he stood up or taken a knee he would not be here to tell this story.
This is the after surgery medical report. I typed it because the document was hard to read
ORTMAN, Robert Pfc 275th Inf Co. K. 1 February 45 Wound, shell fragment severe, right hand with marked tissue defect of the web between the thumb and forefinger and with almost total loss of the second metacarpal. 2. Fracture, compound comminuted, complete of the third metacarpal, right-hand in its distal third. Although the second metacarpal was completely absent, the right index finger was still attached and had very good circulation, therefore the skin covering the index finger was utilized to cover the extensive defect involving the web. Skin of the forefinger was incised on the radial side longitudinally from the border of the defect distally as far as the distal phalanx. This was dissected free from the bone, the bone removed and the index finger thrown away. This left us with a very nice skin flap attached by its base which apparently had excellent circulation. This skin flap was then swung down, properly trimmed to fit the large defect. Flap was then fastened down by means of interrupted vertical mattress sutures. Compression bandage was then applied. The fracture of the third metacarpal, right hand in its distal third was manipulated and attempt made at reduction. In order to maintain its position, a small drill hole was placed near the base of the middle phalanx of the middle finger on the dorsal side and a Kirschner wire was bent into a hook and placed into the burr hole in such a manner that traction could then be applied. Small circular plaster cast was then applied on the right forearm and in this was anchored a hoop of heavy wire extending out in front of the fingers. The traction hook was then fastened to this wire by means of plasma tubing so as to put traction on the fractured third metacarpal. Patient left the Operation Room in good condition. 10:40 AM 12:15 PM Lt Col S. D. Caniparoli Brachial Block 2% Novocaine 30cc. Capt Norval E. Hamilton, MC
S. D. CANIPAROLI LT COL Chief of Surgical Service
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