Farmington
Preservation & Improvement
Organization
In Spring of 2022 we added a new banner that is proudly displayed in front of the American Legion in Farmington, NH.
We are extremely grateful for all the Men & Women who have served and continue to serve our country.
Hometown Hero - 2019 Dedication
Hometown Hero - 2019 Dedication
Robert Paul Titcomb was born to Harvey L. and Marie (Casey) Titcomb on September 28, 1948. He was a lifelong resident of Farmington, New Hampshire.
Bob was an active child, who loved the outdoors. He grew up on the top of Bunker Street in a house surrounded by woods, fields, and frog ponds, so it was a perfect place for him to explore.
He loved fishing and hunting. He used to go deer hunting with the Garlands, and he often took his Spaniel Suzie with him bird hunting. He played baseball for the Farmington 500; his father was his coach.
He attended Farmington High School and although Bob admitted he wasn't much of a scholar, he loved going to school for the social life. In high school he was the manager of the girls volley ball team in 1966. In 1967 he was on the junior varsity basketball team and he was a member of the high school chorus in 1967 and 1968.
Bob liked to dance and loved going to the teen dances at Riverside Manor on Friday night, and The Pepsi Club on Saturday night. He was a fun loving guy who everyone loved; his many friends knew him as “Trapper.”
He always had a smile for everyone, especially his Mother when he wanted something.
He loved antique cars and can best be remembered driving around town in his green 1946 Chevy. In the summer, he also enjoyed buzzing around on his little red Honda.
Bob was drafted into the Army in January, 1969 and was deployed to Vietnam where he began his 12-month tour of duty on June 16th, 1969. He was assigned to D Company, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade and served as an infantry soldier.
“On September 9, 1969 Cpl Titcomb distinguished himself by exceptional heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Province of Long Khanh, Republic of Vietnam.
Cpl Titcomb was participating in a reconnaissance in force operation when his unit came under intense small arms fire from an enemy unit of unknown size. During the initial moments of contact, Cpl Titcomb delivered a heavy barrage of fire upon the enemy’s position. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Cpl Titcomb began to search for a comrade whom he felt might be wounded. As he maneuvered about the area in an effort to locate the comrade, he was fatally wounded by enemy fire. His decisive actions and concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers earned him the respect and admiration of all with whom he served. Cpl Titcomb’s valorous actions and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected great credit upon himself, the 199th Light Infantry Brigade and the United States Army.”*
* Capt Robert J. Bruce, assistant professor of military science, University of New Hampshire, in speaking of Bob’s heroism during the posthumous presentation of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart to his family.
Prior to his death, Cpl Titcomb earned the Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and an Expert Badge with Automatic Rifle Bar.
In addition to his parents, Cpl Titcomb is survived by his sister Judith.
September 9, 2019 will mark the 50th anniversary of his death. He was killed 19 days before his 21st birthday.
Cpl Titcomb is memorialized on the Vietnam War Memorial Wall, Panel W18, Line 63.
He lays in rest at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Farmington, New Hampshire.
“Trapper” was the third of four Farmington residents to die in the Vietnam Conflict.
His Hometown Hero banner is displayed on the pole in front of the American Legion on Main Street.
Additional articles about Cpl Titcomb can be viewed through the following links:
http://www.virtualwall.org/dt/TitcombRP01a.htm
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/178125944/robert-paul-titcomb