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Pfc Robert T. Wagner graduated from Arvada-Clearmont High School in 1942.

He volunteered for the Army of the United States at Fort Francis E. Warren, Wyoming on 13 November 1942.

He was reported missing in action after recrossing the Rhine river, after a combat patrol into enemy territory. He was on his way back with two German prisoners when the Germans threw up some flares and started firing at him. The boat capsized, leaving him in the water, where he was last seen. The Rhine river at the returning point was 300 yards wide and the time of return was 01.30 to 02.00.

Pfc Wagner did have knowledge of swimming but the probability of rescue remote as visibility of the opposite side of Rhine was impossible. Shots were heard, however, but no voices. Survivors of the patrol did not return until the late hours of the morning. Civilians were questioned but had no knowledge of subject casualties.

One of the survivors saw him struggling with a captured German soldier. He saw him stab the prisoner with a knife. Following this act the survivor drifted away and struggled through the current to save his own life.

An investigation was conducted in the area of Wesseling and all communities bordering the Rhine River north of Wesseling as far as Düsseldorf in an effort to learn of the whereabouts of Robert. However, without results.