Flagler County Veteran of the Week: Robert M. Pendleton

Pendleton's work, traveling the world taking photographs of topography, was important for military intelligence.


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  • | 10:00 a.m. February 29, 2024
Robert Pendleton now enjoys retirement in Palm Coast. Courtesy photo
Robert Pendleton now enjoys retirement in Palm Coast. Courtesy photo
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Robert M. Pendleton

  • Branch of Military: U.S. Air Force
  • Dates of Service: 1961-1967
  • Rank / Occupation: Airman First Class / Still Photographer
  • Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Airman First Class Robert Pendleton was a still photographer in the U.S. Air Force. His topography photos aided military intelligence. Courtesy photo

Robert Pendleton says his military enlistment was both exciting and rewarding. He was trained as a still photographer and his duties included traveling the world taking photographs of topography. The work was important for military intelligence on the existence of the location and the distance between ground features, such as populated places and routes of travel, and communication. It aided our military forces dispersed throughout the world, with reliable maps that provide information to our combat elements and resolve logistical operations far from our shores.

Upon his honorable discharge, Pendleton utilized his military skills to become a civilian cartographer by trade. He worked diligently making maps of the world for the Department of the Interior in the Office of Aviation Services. His job afforded him the opportunity to visit many exotic destinations like Africa, Paris, India and many more. He would earn an associate degree in aviation technology which fostered a love for aviation, and he logged 117 hours as a private pilot.

He later would earn a bachelor’s degree in historical writing and research from George Mason University. In 2005, he published his first book titled “Traveller: General Robert E. Lee’s Favorite Greenbrier War Horse”. Pendleton additionally used his research talents to discover and reveal the stories of wounded soldiers who never received their Purple Heart medals, which resulted in many forgotten honors being awarded. Pendleton now enjoys retirement in Palm Coast.

Need help with Veterans Services?

For information about support organizations and resources available to veterans, call 386-313-4014.

 

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