Bob came to Jefferson Proving Ground in 1951 with two Engineering Degrees and retired in 1978.  He started at $2.07 an hour in Testing.

Bob shared the following stories about his time at JPG:

In late 1972 or early 1973 he was part of the crew doing a research and development test, which was a rare thing.  They were testing a 120mm self-targeting heat projectile.  Bob invited the newly appointed Colonel Bishop to observe.  This particular test required more instrumentation (high speed photography, spin rate, radar, etc.) than any other he ever remembers performing.  The test was done at H position, with all of the crew and developing engineers watching, Colonel Bishop repeatedly asked what the range of the ammunition was.  Unfortunately, the Proof Director explained that because this was an unusual test, no one knew.  Colonel Bishop persisted, asking again, “What is the range of this ammunition?”   Again, the Proof Director explained that because this particular ammunition had never been fired before, he didn’t know its range.  Ultimately the Proof Director whistled twice, pulled the lanyard, and a great big ball of fire came out of the tube and detonated.  The Proof Director turned to Colonel Bishop and exclaimed that the range of this ammunition was two feet.

During another test, Colonel Bishop was present and stated to Bob that he would only be at JPG until he made General.  Respectfully, Bob told him he wouldn’t make General, and explained that Colonel’s only left when they transferred or retired.  Colonel Bishop told him he would make General, due to the fact he was a West Point graduate with 28 years Army experience.  He stated that the Army had probably only put him at Jefferson Proving Ground until a General position became available.  The day Colonel Bishop retired, he called Bob to his office and told him that initially he thought Bob was a smart-alecky young man, but he guessed he knew more about it after all.

Bob recalled another test they were working on that was classified Secret.  They were instructed not to discuss anything with anyone.  A week later information was published in Life Magazine.  Jack Webb called Bob into his office, and Bob said, “Sir, I didn’t say a word!”