Cover photo for Robert F. Lance's Obituary
Robert F. Lance Profile Photo
1930 Robert 2018

Robert F. Lance

September 12, 1930 — July 14, 2018

Robert F. Lance, Sergeant Major, United States Marine Corps (Ret.), was born in Fletcher, North Carolina and passed away on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at the age of 87. He enlisted in the USMC in September 1947. Following recruit training, Parris Island and Sea School, he served aboard the USS Missouri and with the 2nd Marine Division. From September 1950 - August 1951, he was a rifleman with D Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines 1st Marine Division in Korea. He participated in the Chosin Reservoir campaign where he was wounded in action and was awarded the Purple Heart medal. He received his honorable discharge in San Diego in September 1951. He re-enlisted in April 1952. Duty stations included Quantico, 3rd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Division, Marine Barracks, 8th and I Streets in Washington, D.C. (Drill Team, Presidential Honor Guard). In January 1961, he attended State Department School and was assigned as the NCOIC Marine Security Guard, American Embassy, Vientiane, Laos and Kuala Lumpur, Malaya. Returning stateside, he served with the 2nd Marine Division and Inspector Instructor Fort Wayne, Indiana until 1967. He joined A Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Vietnam as a First Sergeant and participated in the Hue City Campaign. Other duty stations include Inspector Instructor staff Green Bay, WI, 3rd Force Service Regiment, Marine Barracks Great Lakes, Illinois, and District Sergeant Major, 8th Marine Corps District. Decorations include Navy Commendation, Medal with Combat V and Gold Star, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation with four stars, Korean Service Medal with five stars, Vietnam Service Medal with three stars and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. He retired from the United States Marine Corps in May, 1978. He served on three committees at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in New Orleans; The Mental Health Consumer Council, The Veterans Administration Voluntary Service, and the Joint Advisory Committee. He was also the Veterans Administration Voluntary Service representative for the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He was the Past Department Commander of the Department of Louisiana Military Order of the Purple Heart. He was also the Past Commander of Chapter 1955 Military Order of the Purple Heart in New Orleans. Sgt. Maj. Lance and is wife, Carol resided in Terrytown, LA. He is survived by sons, Robert Edward, and Matthew and two daughters-in-law, Chrysti and Jennifer. Also survived by four grandsons, Robert William, Corey, Caleb, and Chase and one granddaughter, Colette. He was the son of the late George Lance and Margaret Bucholz. Brother of William Lance and Bernard Bucholz. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Memorial Service in the chapel of Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expwy. Harvey, LA on Monday, July 30, 2018 at 1pm. A Memorial visitation will be held Monday morning from 10am until 1pm. Family and friends may view and sign the online guest book at www.mothefunerals.com .
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Monday, July 30, 2018

10:00am - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

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