Memorial

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Robert M. Leidy was an excellent shot with a deer rifle. He grew up in Northern Maine, where hunting and fishing was a way of life.

Statement of Maj John W. Vogt, who flew in the same mission: "While leading the group in an attack upon ground targets in the vicinity of Wetzler, Germany, I heard vortex white three (Lt Leidy) call to say that he was engaging four FW-190s. I endeavored to get his location and altitude, but his messages were garbled. Finally, he gave me his heading which was 210 degrees and I led my flight in an attempt to locate him. Shortly after this, Lt Rideout called to say his ship had been hit by 20 mm fire from a FW-190 and that he was attempting to get home in a crippled condition. He then said that he was being followed by two FW-190s and that he was not able to cut run them. I got his heading and approximate location which I thought was near Coblenz and flew there to intercept him. We were able to maintain radio contact with him until about three minutes after he reported crossing the Rhine river, at which time he said the two enemy aircraft were preparing to attack again. We were unable to locate him and received no further message from him. Shortly before Lt Rideout's last message, Lt Leidy called to say he was alright but low on gas. He was also heading out. He was also attempting to locate Lt Rideout on his way out. No further messages were received by us after the above-mentioned ones."

1st Lt Robert M. Leidy was initially buried at the cemetery at Eickelhardt on 9 September 1944.