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name
COLLINS, Robert Emmet - Date of
birth
15 February 1920 -
Age
24 - Place of
birth
Brooklyn, Kings County, New York -
Hometown
Brooklyn, Kings County, New York
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
O-735858 -
Rank
First Lieutenant -
Function
Bombardier -
Unit
571st Bombardment Squadron,
390th Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster,
Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters
Death
-
Status
Finding of Death - Date of
death
6 March 1944 - Place of
death
Hemmelte-Lastrup, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| B | 11 | 11 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Joseph M. Collins (father)
Jeanette Collins (wife)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-31935 -
Data
Type: B-17G
Nickname: Starks Ark
Destination: Berlin, Germany
Mission: Bombing of the industrial area
MACR: 2889
More information
Robert Collins attended Manhattan College.He volunteered for the Air Corps of the Army of the United States in New York City, New York.
At 1200 hours, the group was attacked by fighters in the vicinity of the Diepholz Airdrome. The #2 engine and right wing of this airplane were on fire. It peeled out of formation to the left and dropped below the formation. When it was last seen, it was under control but losing altitude. Nine parachutes were seen.
Three crew members were killed, and seven men were taken prisoner.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Raf Dyckmans, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.fold3.com, www.8thafhs.com
Photo source: www.findagrave.com, Arie-Jan van Hees - Bombardier Class Book 43-0, Victorville Army Air Field, California