Robert Leo Stambook was born on December 7, 1925, to Hazel L. Nelson (Bookman) and William L. Stambook. Stambook graduated from San Pedro High School in June 1943. He entered the Marine Corps in March 1944.

Private Stambook traveled from the Marshall Islands to Saipan, Mariana Islands, aboard the USS Missoula. He then traveled aboard LST 634 from Saipan to Iwo Jima. He was wounded on the first day of the invasion. His helmet prevented a more serious injury, and after receiving treatment aboard a hospital ship, he was able to return to the battle four days later. It proved to be his final battle, and he was killed on March 14, 1945.

At the time, the Torrance Herald listed his parents as formerly living at 1226 Acacia Avenue in Torrance. At the time of his death, his mother, Hazel Nelson, was living at 1045 S. Alma Street.