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Personal info

Full name
TACKETT, Robert Walter
Date of birth
24 July 1921
Age
22
Place of birth
El Centro, Imperial County, California
Hometown
Imperial County, California

Military service

Service number
39540641
Rank
Staff Sergeant
Function
Nose Gunner
Unit
566th Bombardment Squadron,
389th Bombardment Group, Heavy
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal

Death

Status
Killed in Action
Date of death
11 April 1944
Place of death
In the area of Gellersen, Germany

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
Plot Row Grave
B 40 42

Immediate family

Members
Homer G. Tackett (father)
Lulu Tackett (mother)
Jack Tackett (brother)
Roberta J. (Steward) Tackett (wife)

Plane data

Serial number
42-109817
Data
Type: B-24J
Nickname: Kansas City Citty
Destination: Oscherleben, Germany
MACR: 3781

More information

S/Sgt Robert W. Tackett graduated from Central Union High School in 1939 and attended college. He worked as a clerk at Bank of America.

Aircraft was attacked by fighters just prior to target. No. 3 engine and wing were seriously damaged. A/C followed formation to target and completed its bomb run. Pilot kept A/C flying to allow seven of the crew to bail out. Pilot and three others were killed when A/C exploded in air. Another airman was killed when his parachute failed to deploy. Six were made POW's.

S/Sgt Tackett's body was found in the plane.

Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Terry Hirsch, Michel Beckers, www.389thbg.net, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov, WWII Draft Card

Photo source: www.findagrave.com, Central Union High School 1937