War and the Eyes of an Artist

Sharing the story and combat art of P.F.C. Robert F. Glaubke’s Marine Corps experience in World War II – South Pacific

Please Note: Our family is actively working to reclaim the original artwork of Robert F. Glaubke. This important effort will allow us to further honor and enrich his heroic South Pacific story. We are committed to sharing his legacy with the community and veterans’ groups. If you have any of his artwork or have come across his work, we would deeply appreciate your help. Please reach out to us with any information. Thank you for your support.

Welcome

Our father was an artist and – until his passing in 1981 – we grew up with the awareness of his heroism in World War II. Although he never spoke of actual combat, we knew that his experience of fighting in three battles was horrific. His Purple Heart award, and numerous scars, were proof of his pain, both physically and mentally. We rediscovered his wartime artwork in Mom’s attic among hundreds of paintings and sketches from decades as a book illustrator. Along with historical research, artifacts and family knowledge, we reconstructed his story. We feel that it should be presented as a reminder of just one patriot’s sacrifice for our freedom. This is our first step in sharing his story through words and images. 

– The Glaubke Family

Robert F. Glaubke

P.F.C., U.S.M.C.
4th Marine Division
Combat Artist
Purple Heart Award
Presidential Unit Citation
Served in WWII, South Pacific:
Roi-Namur
Kwajalain Atoll
Saipan
Northern Mariana Islands

Tinian
Northern Mariana Islands
Son of a WWI Veteran

Here is Bob's Story

This illustration is Bob's recollection of his own injury. He is depicted, in the center, as the soldier hunched over from the explosion.

The son of a World War I veteran, Bob Glaubke, was a 19 year-old art student from Chicago when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. While in the South Pacific, he encountered numerous horrors, but found solace in sketching and painting his experiences as a combat artist. 

Then, he lost his eyesight from exploded shrapnel as his regiment stormed a small Tinian beach. Miraculously, a stateside surgeon arrived and partially saved his vision hours before he was to have his eyes removed. 

After recovering in New Caledonia, Bob returned home a hero. Living with a sight impairment, he became a prolific illustrator and teacher at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts.

Learn More

See the 30-page flip book that illustrates Bob’s life and war experience.
If viewing on a mobile device, press and swipe left on the pages to turn them.

Arrange a Pop-Up Exhibition – for your community, school or organization

Our family will tell Bob’s story at your venue – in a gallery-style or lecture format. We present his illustrations, photos, anecdotes, artifacts, including his Purple Heart.

Please contact Rob at [email protected]

Veterans Weekend Pop-Up Exhibition

Presented in November 2024 at the Old Courthouse in Woodstock, Illinois.

Original Artwork Available for Display– in galleries, art institutions and museums

Bob’s original, framed paintings, illustrations and sketches are available for display in temporary exhibitions or museum collections.

Please contact Rob at [email protected]

Samples of original artwork currently in Bob’s South Pacific collection

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