Robert Hale Vesey was born on February 6, 1899, in Kaufman County, Texas. He was the son of John Vesey and Adeline Sykes Allen Vesey. He was married to Effie Vesey Allison. He entered West Point as an appointee from Arkansas and graduated in 1918. He served in the Pacific Theater with the 73rd Infantry Regiment, 71st Philippine Infantry Division during World War II.

Following the fall of Corregidor, he was captured on May 6, 1942, and held as a prisoner of war. He died in captivity on July 3, 1942. His name is memorialized in the Tablets of the Missing in the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines.

Silver Star Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Robert Hale Vesey (ASN: 0-12217), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 73d Infantry Regiment, 71st Philippine Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Marantae, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, on 2 May 1942, and subsequently for sacrificing his life in July 1942 in a prison camp to protect four of his men who had escaped. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Vesey, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Source of information: weremember.abmc.gov, www.findagrave.com, valor.militarytimes.com