Missing information?

Do you have any additional information you would like to share about a soldier?

Submit

Personal info

Full name
REYNOLDS, Robert Bruce
Date of birth
15 January 1920
Age
24
Place of birth
Medina, Medina County, Ohio
Hometown
Medina County, Ohio

Military service

Service number
O-417288
Rank
Captain
Function
Pilot
Unit
385th Fighter Squadron,
364th Fighter Group
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal

Death

Status
Killed in Action
Date of death
15 April 1944
Place of death
Southwest of Hamburg, Germany

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
Plot Row Grave
D 7 21

Immediate family

Members
Leon J. Reynolds (father)
Ethlyn Reynolds (mother)
Richard Reynolds (brother)
Don L. Reynolds (brother)

Plane data

Serial number
42-68041
Data
Type: P-38J
Destination: Luneburg
Mission: Jackpot
MACR: 4142

More information

Captain Robert B. Reynolds graduated from Lodi High School. He attended Ohio State University.

He joined the Air Corps in 1940 and received his wings at Brooks Field, Texas, on 29 May 1941. He was an instructor at Stockton Field, Alabama, and served as a Squadron Commander at Williams Field, Arizona. He was sent overseas in early February 1944.

Statement from William L. Poore, 2nd Lt, Air Corps: "I was flying no. 2 position in white flight with 385th FS, Capt Reynolds was flying no. 3 position in same flight. We were on the deck, strafing in the vicinity of Tostedt. At about 1335, he called over R/T and said that he had a train which he was strafing, to come over and help him. We gained about 2,000 feet and looked for him. Failing to see him at that time, he called on R/T and said his engine was on fire and asked again for help. We continued to look, but finally gave up and hit the deck again, at which time I hit some trees and my radio went out."

Source of information: Astrid van Erp, Terry Hirsch, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.fold3.com

Photo source: www.fold3.com, Peter Schouteten