Memorial

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Sgt Robert J. Penman enlisted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on 3 June 1943.

S/Sgt William W. Skinner:

"I was left waist gunner on Capt Steven's plane on 6 December 1944. I saw 4 enemy fighter ME-109s attack Lt Steven's plane at 0600 level. Then No. 3 engine of Lt Steven's plane caught fire and I saw 2 chutes come out of his plane, then the plane went into a dive and spun for about 1,000 to 3,000 feet, then I saw 2 more chutes leave the plane and then the plane exploded."

Sgt Anthony J. Cavello stated that Penman came to his aid when he was wounded and gave him first aid. Penman put chute on Cavello and did not put his own chute on. When plane blew up, Penman did not have a chute on.

After the war, his crewmate, Sgt William L. McLaughlin, recommended Sgt Shonfield for the posthumous award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. While the plane was badly damaged and the order to bail out was given, Sgt Shonfield, Sgt Roslefske and Sgt Penman, who was already recommended for the Distinguished Service Cross, gave first aid to and fastened the parachute of Sgt Cavello, the radio operator, who was wounded, before pushing him out. By the time the wounded man was pushed to safety, it was too late to jump and the damaged B-24 blew up, killing Penman and Roslefske. Sgt Shonfield was killed by enemy fire just before the explosion.