Robert Earle Galbraith, or "Gal," also known as "The Man with the Fedora," was born on 22 July 1897 in New York City. He served as an Aviation Machinist's Mate, 1st Class, in the United States Naval Reserve Force during World War I (1918-1919). Galbraith went on to receive his bachelor's degree in literature and composition from Rutgers University in 1925. He taught English in preparatory schools for the next two years before coming to Pennsylvania State College in 1927 to serve as an instructor of English. He received his master's degree in American and English literature from Penn State in 1929. At Rutgers, Galbraith had been a letterman in swimming, and the first NCAA diving champion. At Penn State, he was instrumental in forming the first swimming team in 1935, and coached the team for the next ten years. He also served as an advisor for blind students, foreign students, and Fulbright applicants, but is best remembered for his work with students enlisted in the armed forces during World War II and upon their return to campus as veterans. In addition to his work at Penn State, Galbraith taught classes at the State Correctional Institution at Rockview for 13 years, from 1928 to 1943. He authored These our Moderns in 1933 and co-authored The Modern Writers Art in 1936 with Pennsylvania State College colleague Theodore Jay (T.J.) Gates. He married Helen Savard on 10 September 1946. Galbraith retired from Penn State in 1963 as Professor Emeritus of English Composition. He was honored in 1972 as the eighth recipient of the Lion's Paw Medal, which honors persons who have contributed notable service to the University. Robert Galbraith died on 16 November 1986.
From the description of Robert E. Galbraith correspondence, photographs and other material regarding Penn State students enlisted during World War II, 1941-1948. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 558891207
