Robert Pershing Wadlow was born, educated and buried in Alton, Illinois. His height of 8' 11.1" qualifies him as the tallest person in history, as recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. At the time of his death he weighed 490 pounds.
Robert was born on February 22, 1918, and weighed a normal eight pounds, six ounces. He drew attention to himself when at six months old, he weighed 30 pounds. A year later at 18 months, he weighed 62 pounds. He continued to grow at an astounding rate, reaching six feet, two inches and 195 pounds by the time he was eight years old.
Trying to maintain a normal life, Robert enjoyed collecting stamps, photography, and become the world's tallest Boy Scout at seven feet, four inches, when he was 13 years of age. Later he became a member of DeMolay and the Masons.
As a youth, Robert had enjoyed good health, but his large feet had troubled him for many years. He had little sensation in his feet and did not feel any chafing until blisters formed. While making an appearance in Manistee, Michigan in July 1940, a fatal infection set in when such a blister formed. Robert passed away 15 july and is buried in Alton, IL
Myself 1956, home on leave.
Taken Tiskilwa, Illinios
Myself 1957 picture taken in Korea
Me again 1965 taken in Korea. I had three tours in Korea, total of forty-six months
(1966) picture taken South Vietnam. I served two tours (41 months) in South Vietnam. The two below URLs kinda cover part of that time period
10 months with the 2nd/2nd Inf, 1st Inf Div
