Memorial

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Capt Robert E. Arnold graduated from the University of Illinois in 1939 with a degree in Education. He played varsity football and was in the University Brigade where he served as a First Lieutenant. He was a teacher in his hometown before he entered the service in September 1941, and received his flight training at Victory Field, Randolph Field, and Lubbock, where he received his commission in April 1942.

Before going overseas he was stationed at Sebring, Florida, Rapid City, South Dakota, Spokane, Ephrata and Walla Walla, Washington, Avon Park, Florida, Savannah, Georgia and West Palm Beach, Florida.

He was sent overseas in January of 1944, arriving in North Africa on 31 January 1944. Later his unit was stationed in Italy.

Statement of 2nd Lt Maurice D. Surratt:
"Plane no 42-31416 was directly in front of our aircraft and I saw three ME-109's come in on no 416 from 12 o`clock high in about two second intervals. They were shooting with everything they had and closed in to 50 yards. I could see the tracers from E/A going right into the cockpit. The B-17 nosed straight down."

The killed crew members were initially buried at the cemetery of Moosdorf, Austria.