Robert Taplett was born on 10 December 1918 in Tyndall, South Dakota, USA. He was married to Patricia Marie Kingston. He died on 17 December 2004 in Falls Church, Virginia, USA.
Decorated Marine Corps Colonel who was awarded the Navy Cross for leading the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, in the grueling strategic retreat from the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War in late 1950.