Robert George Tills was an officer and pilot of the United States Navy who became the first American naval officer killed during the Battle of the Philippines and had a ship named after him in his honor. His body was lost at sea during the battle and was recovered in November 2007 and officially identified in December 2008. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on 23 March 2009 with full military honors.
Ensign Robert Tills in his Navy Whites.
Japanese Nakajima B5N1 over seaplane tender USS William B. Preston (AVD-7) in Malalag Bay on December 8. Two burning PBY-4 are offshore in the background.
Funeral of Robert Tills at Arlington National Cemetery
USS Tills (DE-748) was a Cannon-class destroyer escort in service with the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946 and from 1950 to 1968. She was sunk as a target in 1969.
Tills on 11 October 1944
Tills in the early 1960s.