IN MEMORIAM
Bob Lettis, Cooperstown; Retired Art Professor
Helped Capture Bridge At Remagen During WWII
COOPERSTOWN – Donald Robert (Bob) Lettis, one of the last surviving combatants in the Allied capture of the Bridge at Remagen during World War II and a retired art professor, passed away early Monday morning at his home. He was 88.
Born July 29, 1925, in Cooperstown, he was a son of Donald F. and Charlotte (Hall) Lettis. Raised in Cooperstown, Bob graduated from Cooperstown High School, Class of 1943. He enlisted in Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge and other engagements.
The Ludendorff bridge at Remagen was the last intact span over the Rhine, and its capture greatly assisted the Allied invasion of Germany and subsequent drive to the Danube. Bob’s role included establishing several observation posts that located German artillery trying to destroy the bridge. He received a Bronze Star and was honorably discharged on March 10, 1946.
