Henry Rob Herbst
Commander, U.S. Navy

Henry Rob Herbst was born in Eau Claire, WI.

He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with the Class of 1919. Following graduation, he served in the USS Arkansas, Grand Fleet, operating in the North Sea. He was present at the surrender of the German High Seas Fleet at the close of World War I.

His military career with the Navy included service in battleships and destroyers. He was an instructor at both the Naval Academy and the Naval War College. He served in the first U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Langley. While on duty in the USS Maryland, he suffered a heart attack and was retired from active duty in July 1939.

In February 1940, Herbst volunteered for active service and was assigned shore duty at Fleet Schools, Destroyer Base, San Diego, CA. During WWII, he served as Commanding Officer, Lake Union Naval Training Station, Seattle, WA. He returned to retired status in October 1945.

Commander Herbst was a recipient of the Victory Medal with Grand Fleet Clasp.

Death and Burial

Commander Henry Rob Herbst died 11 May 1970 in Olney, MD. Funeral services were held in the Fort Meyer Chapel and interment was in Arlington National Cemetery.

Family

Henry Herbst was survived by his wife, Rachel, of Silver Spring, MD; a daughter, Rachel Herbst Burbans, also of Silver Spring; a sister, Mrs. Millard Clearwater, of Wappinger's Falls, NY; and a brother, George F. Herbst, of Florida.