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Personal info

Full name
FOREST, Robert Francis
Date of birth
15 July 1912
Age
30
Place of birth
Arlington, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Hometown
Middlesex County, Massachusetts

Military service

Service number
11050950
Rank
Technical Sergeant
Function
Radio Operator
Unit
334th Bombardment Squadron,
95th Bombardment Group, Heavy
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal

Death

Status
Killed in Action
Date of death
13 June 1943
Place of death
Near Kiel, Germany

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
Plot Row Grave
A 32 1

Immediate family

Members
Joseph M. H. Forest (father)
Rose E. (Quinn) Forest (mother)
Francis X. Forest (brother)
Emily Forest (sister)
Herbert Forest (brother)
Bernard A. Forest (brother)
Rita Forest (sister)
Joseph Forest (brother)
Herbert Forest (brother)
Eleanor Forest (sister)

Plane data

Serial number
42-30164
Data
Type: B-17F
Destination: Kiel, Germany
Mission: Bombing
MACR: 8960

More information

T/Sgt Robert F. Forest graduated from Arlington High School in 1931.

He enlisted on 20 April 1943 from New York City, New York.

Statement from David E Olsson, Capt, Air Corps, Asst. Opn. Officer: "B-17F #42-30164, piloted by Capt Harry A Stirvalt, in which Brigadier General Nathan B Forrest was flying as combat wing commander, was seen hit before reaching the target. It was reported as continuing over the target with #4 engine smoking, dropping its bombs, and then was attacked from the nose by a formation of three fighters. The aircraft was seen to slow down, to have been hit by several explosive shells, and to go down banking sharply to the right. It was reported to be under control, and 8 chutes were seen to leave the ship.

Source of information: Terry Hirsch, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.fold3.com - MACR, www.ancestry.com - WWII Enlistment Record, 1920/1930/1940 Census, WWII Draft Card, The Boston Globe - 15 December 1943

Photo source: Peter Schouteten, The Boston Globe - 26 June 1943, Rapid City Journal - 16 February 1943, Arlington High School 1931