Robert Howard Hinson served in the U.S. Army for 5 years and 5 months. Robert served during the years of the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
Corporal Robert Hinson was shot once in the head and killed while responding to a breaking and entering call at the county airport. The two suspects, ages 16 and 17, had called in a false breaking and entering report to lure an officer to an ambush. As Corporal Hinson approached, he was shot and killed without warning at close range. The suspects were apprehended nearby by responding officers. During interviews, one of the suspects reportedly bragged the ambush was an execution to complete gang initiation. Both suspects were tried as adults and sentenced to life in prison with an additional 70 years to run consecutively. As of June 9, 2023, both were in prison. Corporal Hinson was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran and served with the Columbus County Sheriff's Office for 10 years.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Corporal Hinson gave the Columbus County Sheriff's Office 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Whiteville community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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