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BEVERLY -- Robert Paul Laderach was born May 8, 1917, on Dotson Run near Beverly and grew up much like any youngster of the time.
Coming from humble roots, Laderach had the typical hopes and dreams of any small-town man, but little did he know he eventually would be labeled an America hero following one of the worst attacks on the country in its long and storied history.
A first-generation American, Laderach spent his school years at Beverly High, eventually enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1937.
By 1941, he had attained the rank of fire controlman 2nd class and eventually was assigned to the USS Arizona, part of the Pacific Fleet stationed at the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor.
On Dec. 7, 1941, though, Laderach was one of six West Virginia natives to be killed aboard the USS Arizona during the Japanese attack that brought America into World Ward II.
In May 2015, Laderach was posthumously honored in Randolph County when a bridge near Files Creek was dedicated in his memory.
"Robert and five other West Virginians were killed that day (Dec. 7, 1941) and he and 1,101 of his shipmates are still entombed and are on 'Eternal Patrol' on the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor," a resolution commemorating the event read. "The 'U.S. Navy PO2 Robert Paul Laderach Memorial Bridge' is an appropriate recognition of his ultimate sacrifice to his country, state, community and Randolph County."
Marine Corps League Department of West Virginia Past Commandant Roger Ware was master of ceremonies that day, and recalls the importance of honoring one of the area's own.
"When you travel through Beverly, you will see the sign commemorating his sacrifice," Ware said. "There's no telling where our country would be today without the sacrifices of these brave men, including Robert Laderach."
"Getting into the war helped destroy (Adolf) Hitler and the German Reich," Ware added. "Imagine if it didn't happen. Without that one act, would we have gotten into World War II? All the men killed had a great impact on families, neighbors, friends and small towns. Those sacrifices should be remembered."
Laderach received several posthumous awards, including the Purple Heart, World War II Victory Award Ribbon Bar, Asiatic Pacific Medal and Campaign Medal and USS Arizona BB-39 Pearl Harbor Patch.