In the Rundel Auditorium on the 3rd floor of the Rundel Memorial Building is a Rochester's Rich History discussion titled Mr. Abbott's Wars: The Life and Times of Rochester's Leading Cold Warrior and Most Decorated Soldier.

Come hear the story of Rochester's most decorated solider, World War II and Korean War veteran Robert Noe Abbott, presented by Jeffrey Ludwig, PhD, and special guest Roberta Abbott Buckle, daughter of Colonel Abbott. (Re)discover the remarkable story of a true Rochester hero. Colonel Robert Noe Abbott (1915-1964) is Rochester's most decorated soldier, a veteran of the Second World War and the Korean War, who survived nearly three years in harrowing captivity as a POW. Abbott also spearheaded Monroe County's Office of Civil Defense during the early Cold War era. It was while serving in that capacity, in the summer of 1964, that Abbott was killed as a result of injuries sustained from a helicopter crash during the Rochester race riots. A complex figure, a soldier and family man with deep Flower City roots, Abbott deserves a more prominent place in the collective memory of his native city. Come and learn why.

[source: Monroe County Library website, 2016-Nov-14]