21May1915 – 29Nov1943
Edison Days
Robert graduated with the Class of January 1932. As indicated by his yearbook entry, he was very involved in school. A description of Hi-Y can be found in the FAQ tab. Gleam was a student run publication featuring stories, poems. and other writings.
After high school, Robert attended the University of Minnesota.
Military Service
Rank: 1st Lieutenant
Branch: United States Army Air Force
Unit: 419th Bomb Squadron – 301st Bombardment Group (Heavy) – 15th Air Force
Robert enlisted in the National Guard on 10Feb1941 and later transferred to the Army Air Force. He took advanced training in Monroe, LA. In September 1942 he managed to return to MN to get married.
Robert earned his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant on 14Nov1942, and went overseas a month later.
It is unclear what unit he was with, or where Robert was stationed from December 1942 to August 1943, but on 18Aug1943, he was assigned as the Navigator with the crew he would fly with until his last flight. Flying out of Oudna, Tunisia 20 miles South of Tunis, the 419th Bomb Squadron flew missions to Austria, France, Greece, and Italy during that time period. It was also during this time that Robert was promoted to 1st Lieutenant.
Robert’s final mission was a bombing run to the Ciampino Airfield 12 miles SE of Rome, Italy. At approximately 1315 while flying off the coast of Sardinia, Italy, they lost control of one of the engines. Shortly thereafter the Tail Gunner noticed that the wing of the plane was on fire. 5 minutes later, at an altitude of 11,000 feet, the Pilot gave the order for the crew to bail out.
All 10 crew members bailed out safely. Unfortunately, a strong wind off the coast blew Robert and 5 others approximately 3 miles offshore. All 6 men who landed in the water died. The 4 men that landed on shore survived.
Robert was awarded the Purple Heart medal posthumously.
Robert’s body was never recovered. His name, along with the names of 3,094 other missing US service members from the Italian campaigns, is inscribed on the wall of the chapel at the Rome-Sicily American Cemetery and Memorial in Nettuno, Italy.
Robert’s family also placed a marker (cenotaph) in his honor at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.
Edison Heroes 