June 15, 1985, at 23 years of age, Petty Officer Stethem was singled out, tortured and executed by the terroist group, Hezbollah, whiile on a civilian aircraft en route to the United States from the Middle East. Robert was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and the Prisoner of War Award. The Pinefield Civic Association re-dedicated his honor at a park named for him on the 30th year of the anniversary of his death.