Kauai has lost a true hero
It was a genuine privilege to meet and get to know Col. Robert E. Hammerquist, U.S. Army Ret., who made his home on Kauai for the past 10 years.
He died Oct. 2 in his home in Koloa, surrounded by family and friends. For those who knew him, Bob had a smile that was as big as all outdoors. What many didn’t know is that Bob served our country in combat and in peacetime for more than 32 years. He entered World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
He pushed through and held flanks for Gen. George S. Patton on his drive to free the 101st Airborne, trapped by the Germans in Bastogne, Belgium. Bob’s unit in the Battle of the Bulge had a 90 percent casualty rate; killed, captured or wounded. Fortunately, he was not among the casualties.
During a crucial advance of the Allied Forces, he spotted explosives affixed to a large bridge that they were about to cross. It was nightfall, but his excellent night vision served him well. He stopped the advance, ordered troops to go down river and open fire to distract the Germans and singlehandedly crossed the bridge, cutting the wired explosives as fast as he could.
There was a tank, hundreds of men and other equipment that the Germans would have blown up, once they were on the bridge. Bob saved them from that fate and was recommended for the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery under enemy fire.
He was shot during the crossing, but fortunately it was only a flesh wound and he went on to be part of the paratroop jump across the Rhine River in the battle for Germany.
During his 32 years of military service, he received a total of 43 medals, many for similar acts of valor during World War II and in Korea and Vietnam. Among them were the Distinguished Service Cross and multiple Purple Hearts as he was wounded five times by enemy fire.
Two of his wounds were life-threatening, but he used to say he “cheated death again.” He leaves behind his wife Bridget Hammerquist. Their strong love for each other was obvious to all who knew them.
Those of us who knew Bob could often find him in the yard planting papaya trees, digging holes, trimming, weeding or watering.
Born Feb. 4, 1922, in Rapid City, S.D., he credited his work ethic and humble love of life to his early years on the family farm. He loved our community and supported his wife in her efforts to preserve and protect Mahaulepu. If our time on Earth is to serve, there is little question that Bob fulfilled that role above and beyond. He had an incredible capacity to love, and enjoyed meeting, helping, guiding and encouraging all who crossed his path. I, along with many, will miss this great man.
Jay Kechloian
Koloa
