Commander of Poltava

He was one of the youngest commanders of the war. And totally unprepared. Not only had he pulled off the clandestine rescue of a thousand lost Europeans and Americans, but in a twist of fate, became the most public figure at the American outpost in Poltava.

As the Russians lost trust in America's objectives in Poland,  all officers above Trimble were removed from command simultaneously, to appease the Eastern Host. And at the time the Americans were additionally depressed by the loss of President Roosevelt. Amid the escalating tension, the only remaining, qualified officer to command the airbase was Captain Trimble.

While laying in his bunk after the Russians had stopped all further movement of Americans in Poland, Robert was called quickly to the command office. In moments he was told by his commander, Colonel Hampton, that Robert would take his place. Astonished, he was now faced with transitioning from his stunning role as mass rescuer, to an equally improbable role as commander of an airbase, with no preparation or experience.

This new role frightened him as much as the last. The Soviet temper and distrust for Americans was boiling over. Robert had half expected to be hauled away in chains because of his clandestine rescue work; instead he was dropped into the absurd circumstance of conveying trustworthiness. He would have to find a way to appease the Reds, and lift the spirits of his men at the same time. With no leadership experience, he held meetings with the Host, trying his best to show sincerity and honest intention.

For two months he did just that. Conditions got better. But all the while, the efforts of the NKVD were still there; shifting from tracking his every move in the wild, to Cold War persuasion techniques to give up classified information. Seductresses and alcohol were key ingredients. He was human. But he fought hard, and in the end the airbase, his men, and America's reputation improved in Russia under his command. He was the last American to leave Russia, waiting until all of his men had gone home.