Memorial

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Robert L. Newman graduated from Shawnee High School in 1937 and attended college.

He joined the Air Corps of the Regular Army in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on 12 February 1941.

Statement from 1st Lt Joseph F. Furness, who participated in the mission: "I was flying 4 position in White flight. Lt Newman, my element leader and I went down to cover the attack of our squadron leader and his wingman in their bounce on 3 flights of 5 FW 190s each.

My squadron leader attacked the forward flight, Lt. Newman taking the middle flight and I covered him from the third flight, Lt Newman broke up the enemy aircraft formation and we then both zoomed up from 20,000 feet to 24,000 feet.

We started to head in the general direction of our squadron leader, when Lt Newman started diving again. I noticed an FW 190 in my mirror at 7 o'clock.

I called Lt Newman on the R/T and when he did not answer or make any attempt to turn,
I turned into the enemy aircraft, who immediately headed in towards the deck when I positioned myself above him.

The last I saw of Lt Newman was in the dive, as he was heading for the edge of the flak defended area of Dusseldorf. I went down looking for my element leader, making several large circles over the area, but was unable to locate him."