Army Spc. Robert J. Tauteris Jr., 44, of Hamlet, Ind.
Spc. Tauteris was assigned to 81st Troop Command, Indiana National Guard, Indianapolis, Ind.; died Jan. 6, 2012 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. Also killed were Staff Sgt. Jonathan M. Metzger, Spc. Christopher A. Patterson and Spc. Brian J. Leonhardt.
Spc Tauteris grew up in rural northwestern Indiana's Starke County. He graduated from North Judson High School in 1986.
Specialist Robert "Bobby" Tauteris Jr. was on his second combat tour, along with his 21-year-old son Robert Tauteris III.
Uncle Ed Tauteris said his nephew reenlisted in the National Guard after his 21-year-old son, Robert III joined up and was sent to Afghanistan. He said his nephew had hoped he might be able to keep his son safe during his deployment.
"He was great father who loved his kids, took very good care of them. He was a great provider. He'd work seven days a week, come home and take his kids fishing, hunting, to baseball, stuff like that," Ed said.
Spc Tauteris's son, Robert III, accompanied his father's body back home.
"He flew home with his dad. That poor kid. I feel so bad for him," Uncle Ed said.
Spc Tauteris's awards and decorations include:
Bronze Star
Purple Heart
Army Achievement Medal
Army Good conduct Medal
Naitonal Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Campaign Star (2)
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ 'M' device (2)
NATO Medal
Combat Action Badge
Driver and Mechanic Badge w/Driver-Wheeled Vehicle(s)Clasp
Spc Tauteris is survived by sons, Robert Tauteris III and Matthew and Uncle Ed.
Army Spc. Robert J. Tauteris Jr. was killed in action on 01/06/12.
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