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name
PROCTOR, Robert Douglas "Rocket" - Date of
birth
26 November 1924 -
Age
19 - Place of
birth
Northampton, Hampshire County, Massachusetts -
Hometown
Auburn, Androscoggin County, Maine
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
11097311 -
Rank
Staff Sergeant -
Function
Waist Gunner -
Unit
360th Bombardment Squadron,
303rd Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
28 September 1944 - Place of
death
Ohrum, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| M | 19 | 10 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Ralph W. Proctor (father)
Gladys A. (Johnston) Proctor (mother)
Barbara Proctor (sister)
Constance E. Proctor (wife)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-97805 -
Data
Type: B-17G
Destination: Magdeburg, Germany
Mission: Bombing the braunkohle (BRABAG) synthetic oil refinery
MACR: 9412
More information
While in high school, Robert Proctor participated in several clubs such as the Student Council, the Band, and the Carnival Committee.He was a machine operator before he volunteered for the Air Corps of the Army of the United States in Portland, Maine on 18 September 1942.
He flew five missions. On his last, the formation was victime to severe attacks of enemy fighters. The gas tank behind #4 engine was hit and was on fire. The plane dropped down and after an explosion the fire enveloped the entire right wing.
Three crew members survived and were taken prisoner, six were killed.
S/Sgt Proctor's bailed out but his parachute didn't open, it was damaged by 20mm shells.
Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, Brianna Wilshusen (Auburn Public Library), www.archives.gov, www.303rdbg.com, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record/Edward Little High School 1942 Yearbook/Massachusetts Birth Index, www.fold3.com - MACR, https://airforce.togetherweserved.com
Photo source: Michel Beckers, www.ancestry.com - Edward Little High School 1942 Yearbook, www.303rdbg.com