South Carolina Politival Collections
South Carolina Political Collections University of South Carolina Robert E. McNair (1923-2007) Papers, 1953-2010 Volume: 135 linear feet Processed: 1999-2000, by Jason Clayman, Kelly Gilbert, Herbert Hartsook, Dorothy Hazelrigg, Aaron Marrs, Deanna Moore, and Kate Moore Additions, 2003 & 2005, by Kate Moore Additions, 2010, by Katharine Klein Provenance: Donated by the Honorable Robert E. McNair Citation Form: Robert E. McNair Papers, South Carolina Political Collections, University of South Carolina Copyright: Copyright of the Robert E. McNair Papers has been transferred to the University of South Carolina. South Carolina Political Collections Robert E. McNair Papers, p.2 Biographical Note: “One of his major attributes is his ability to bring people together, to conciliate, and to communicate ideas.” [Wayne Seal, McNair News Secretary, Oct. 30, 1967] Robert Evander McNair grew up on the large family farm, Ballsdam, near Jamestown in the Hell Hole Swamp of Berkeley County. He was born at the home of an aunt at Cades, South Carolina, on December 14, 1923, to Daniel Evander and Claudia Crawford McNair. In 1942, McNair joined the U.S. Naval Reserve as a Lieutenant (j.g.) and served until his discharge in 1946. His war service included twenty-two months with the 7th Amphibious Forces in the Pacific Theater. McNair was awarded the Bronze Star for rescuing sailors from a burning ship that had been hit by a Japanese kamikaze attack while managing to keep his own vessel and crew safe in the midst of battle in the Philippines. On May 30, 1944, he married Josephine Robinson of Allendale, S.C.
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