Robert Tills

Robert George Tills
Ensign Robert Tills in his Navy Whites.
Born9 March 1918 (1918-03-09)
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Died8 December 1941 (1941-12-09) (aged 23)
Malalang Bay, Mindanao, Philippines
Buried
AllegianceUnited States of America
BranchUnited States Navy
Years of service1937–1941
RankEnsign
Battles / warsWorld War II

Robert George Tills (9 March 1918 8 December 1941) was an officer and pilot of the United States Navy who became the first American naval officer killed during the Battle of the Philippines and had a ship named after him in his honor. His body was lost at sea during the battle and was recovered in November 2007 and officially identified in December 2008. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on 23 March 2009 with full military honors.