Robert Harbula

Robert Harbula, of West Mifflin, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family on June 13, 2024, at the age of 93, to rejoin his beloved wife of 70 years, the late Frances M. "Franny" (Grib) Harbula.

He was the loving father of Kathy Harbula, Karen (David) Alba, Kim (David) Spierto, Scott Harbula, and Karrie (Chad) Bangs; cherished Grandpa of Michael (Juliana) Spierto, Maria (Zack) Richards, Alex Harbula, Meg Spierto, Robert Harbula, Michael Harbula, Hannah Bangs, Chad Bangs, Jr., and the late Nick Wichman; adoring great-grandfather of Everly, Cooper, Emmy, and Theo, Dominic and Jonathan, and Waketon and Waverly; son of the late John and Anna (Bogdan) Harbula; brother of the late John Harbula and Florence Cmar; also survived by generations of nieces and nephews; he will be especially missed by his faithful French Bulldog, Joey.

Upon graduating from McKeesport High School in 1948, he enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 17. After completing boot camp at Parris Island, he was sent to the Marine Barracks in Washington D.C. His duties included guarding President Truman at Shangri-La (Camp David) and numerous other Presidential ceremonies. He was also a member of the famous Silent Drill Platoon that performed at many different venues.

When the Korean War broke out in 1950, he volunteered for combat duty and fought in five campaigns with the 1st Marine Division. As Squad Leader of the rifle platoon, he was charged with one machinegun and ten men; he later rose to Section Leader where he was charged with two machineguns and twenty men. He fought in Inchon, Seoul, Ambush at Majon-ni, North Korea, Taskforce Drysdale and Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, Pohang Guerilla hunt, Operation Ripper, Operation Killer, South Korea, and Hill 902 at the Hwachon Reservoir, North Korea. He received a Purple Heart, 3 Presidential Unit Citations, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal with 5 stars, Combat Infantry Ribbon, and the United Nations Medal.

Upon leaving the service in 1952, he worked in the Financial Industry for twenty years, and went on to follow several business ventures.

He remained an active advocate for Veterans who served in Korea, and was a well respected and sought-after speaker for many Veterans events. He has appeared on podcasts, and his thoughts and stories have been immortalized in documentaries, including "Bloody George at the Chosin Reservoir" which aired on the AHC Channel, and the "Battle of Chosin," which aired on PBS. He was featured in two Korean War books, including "Give Me Tomorrow," by Patrick O'Donnell, and "Voices from the Korean War," by Douglas Rice.

On April 3, 2014, PA Congressman Michael F. Doyle entered Bob into the Congressional Record in the House of Representatives. He outlined his Marine Corps career and many of the battles he participated in. Bob was most recently honored to have been named the Grand Marshall for the 2024 Pittsburgh Veterans Day Parade.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 17, and Tuesday, June 18, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at the SAVOLSKIS-WASIK-GLENN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 3501 Main Street, Munhall, PA 15120, where a Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday at 7:30 PM. Interment at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, on Friday, June 21, 12:30 PM. Please meet at the Cemetery no later than 12:15 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans.

Condolences may be left at www.swgfuneralhome.com.

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