Early Life
Paul Leo Roberts was born in Johnstown, PA on January 16th, 1926. When the war started in 1939, Roberts' was just 13 years old. At the time he enlisted in the war, he was 17 and had just completed 8th grade. He was not married before the war began and sadly was unable to marry since he did not return home. His parents were George W. Roberts and Rachael Roberts. Roberts enlisted in the County of Cambria, which is within his home city of Johnstown.
Age Certificate
Enlistment Application
To the left is a newspaper headline of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle's interpretation of repercussions that took place after the stock market crashed in 1929. Roberts' at the time was three, and would live through the depression at a young age.
To the right is another newspaper headline of the great depression and the impact it had on American citizens. Both Roberts' parents would live through this time period.
To the left is a headline that was written during the Recession of 1937, when inflation and was a normal life to most people returned. Crime and suicide rates leveled out since the ability to afford and protect one's families and businesses was available again.
The Attack on Pearl Harbor happened when Roberts' was 15 and caused the US to engage in WW2. This event might have led Roberts' to consider joining the Navy and supporting the cause.
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