Memorial

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Sgt Johnson Roberts graduated from Knoxville High School.

He joined the U.S. Army Reserve on 3 December 1942 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Statement of Roy W. Arndt, F/O: "As co-pilot on Ship # 881, Able 5, this is what I saw over the target and during the rally regarding Ship # 511, Able 6. He received, according to my pilot, a direct hit in his number two engine. This was just before bombs away. Able 6 peeled off slowly to the left and dropped from my view. Flak had broken up our formation and the crew on our ship called out the location of the various ships that had left the formation and informed us as to what they were doing. As I recall 511 descended very rapidly, according to the gunners who could see him. They also called out a ship heading for Russia. As we rallied left I saw a B-17 heading straight toward Russia at approximately ten or fifteen thousand feet. It crossed a river and began to turn left very slowly. Thinking the pilot was heading the ship for enemy territory and bailing out the crew, I suggested the crew to watch closely for chutes. Just before completing a 180° turn the ship exploded, blowing off one wing.
It began to roll very rapidly and both parts burned as they spin towards the ground. I recall seeing fire on the ground, but not the actual crash.
It was his first mission."

Sgt Roberts is remembered at Lynnhurst Cemetery in Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee with a memorial marker.