Robert R Hesser

Military

Assigned to 599BS, 397BG, 9AF USAAF. Failed to Return (FTR) Pointoise R/R bridge mission. Hit by flak near Dreux, with the pilot wounded, took over control and attempted to nurse A/C back to lines. Lost control around 2000 ft when remaining damaged engine cut out, crash landed in orchard near Dreux. Broke both legs and suffered fractured skull, evacuated to hospital by enemy. Died en route. Killed in Action (KIA). 9-Aug-44. MACR 7788.



Awards: AM (6OLC), PH.

Connections

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Units served with

A B-26 Marauder (serial number 42-96191) nicknamed "The Milk Run Special" of the 397th Bomb Group at Steeple Morden, 1945. Image by Alexander "Cal" Sloan. Written on slide casing: '296191, 397 BG.'
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Ninth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 397th Bomb Group 599th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 17047440 / O-806060
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder
  • Nicknames: Stubborn Helen
  • Unit: 397th Bomb Group 599th Bomb Squadron

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Born

St Paul, MN, USA 21 July 1920 Son of Albert L and Carrie Reed.

Died

28100 Dreux, France 9 August 1944 Failed to Return (FTR) Pointoise R/R bridge mission. Hit by flak near Dreux, fatally wounded in resulting crash landing near Dreux Killed in Action (KIA). 9-Aug-44. MACR 7788

Buried

68 La Taulaie, 27220 Champigny-la-Futelaye, France 5 February 1945 Re-Interred Plot C, Row 7, Grave 127 St Andre American military cemetery.
Washington, DC, USA

Enlisted

Minneapolis, MN, USA

Based

Rivenhall 9 August 1944 Assigned to 599BS, 397BG, 9AF USAAF.

Buried

Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial Tablets of the Missing Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial