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2nd Lt Robert S. Jarrell graduated from Abilene High School in 1941 and attended Texas A&M College. He was employed at an oil company.

Lt Jarrell was overseas since February and in action since March 1945. He had participated in 27 missions.

Statement of 2nd Lt Phillip L. Gunderson, who flew in the same mission: "On the 19th of April 1945, I was flying behind and slightly to the right of Lt Jarrell as our flight made a second strafing run on the airfield. Smoke, caused by burning enemy aircraft on the field, partially obscured visibility. I saw Lt Jarrell fly through the smoke, intense flak bursting all around him. As I followed him through the smoke, I saw fragments and a burst ahead of me. This red burst was at about tree-top level. Undoubtedly, this was Lt Jarrell's plane."

A letter received by his wife from Maj Wilton H. Earle Jr. reads: I wish to express my deepest sympathy to you concerning your husband, 2nd Lt Robert S. Jarrell, who has been missing in action since April 19. On that day, the squadron located an operational enemy airfield near Leipzig, Germany. The field was heavily protected but due to its importance to the enemy, the squadron attacked, in spite of the anti-aircraft fire, by repeated strafing passes.
On the last attack, one of our planes was seen to strike the ground. It is believed that it was your husband's plane that we saw crash. Although no parachute was seen to open, and it seemed unlikely that a pilot could survive such a crash, the possibility remains that your husband did survive. We certainly hope so. He is a fine officer, an excellent pilot, and in every respect was an asset to the squadron.