Combat Missions — RWB Archive

Documented Missions

159:15

Combat Hours (his Form 5s)

As Air Commander

25/25

Verified Against His Log

Two Sets of Books, One Story

For every combat mission Bob flew, two independent records survive: the 351st Bomb Group’s own mission files — load lists, track charts, combat duplication forms, crew rosters — and the monthly Form 5 he signed himself. This page lays them side by side. They agree on all twenty-five missions, day for day, most of them numbered in his own hand in the remarks column. He rose from a major flying co-pilot on the group’s third mission to air commander leading the wing; the Silver Star (mission 41) and the DFC (mission 185) are both here, with the paperwork. Years later he told the whole arc himself, to the men who flew it — see his 351st reunion speech.

Source and gratitude: the mission data, crew rosters, track charts, combat duplication forms, and crew photographs on this page are the work of the 351st Bomb Group Association — the veterans, families, and volunteer historians who spent decades obtaining these records from archives, reviewing them, and painstakingly transcribing them mission by mission. Their site preserves the full record for every one of the group’s 311 missions; this page draws out the twenty-five Bob flew. Each mission below links to its source page. This archive is in their debt.

The Targets

The map is a visual rendering of the mission table below — gold markers are missions he led as air commander. The star is Polebrook. All information on the map is in the table and mission cards.

All 25 missions: number, date, target, his position, and hours from his Form 5
#	Date	Target	His Position	Form 5 hrs
#3	15 May 1943	Emden, Germany	Co-pilot	6:00
#7	11 Jun 1943	Wilhelmshaven, Germany	Pilot	2:40
#10	22 Jun 1943	Huls, Germany	Pilot	5:45
#15	29 Jun 1943	Triqueville, France	Pilot	3:30
#17	10 Jul 1943	Villacoublay, France	Co-pilot	4:30
#20	24 Jul 1943	Heroya, Norway	Pilot	8:10
#27	15 Aug 1943	Flushing, Holland	Pilot	3:45
#29	17 Aug 1943	Schweinfurt, Germany	Pilot	7:00
#38	9 Sep 1943	Lille-Norde	Air Commander	4:10
#41	23 Sep 1943	Nantes, France	Air Commander	7:35
#47	9 Oct 1943	Anklam, Germany	Air Commander	8:15
#64	24 Dec 1943	Pas de Calais, France	Pilot	4:50
#80	11 Feb 1944	Frankfurt, Germany	Pilot	8:00
#105	10 Apr 1944	Melsbrook near Brussels	Air Commander	4:25
#124	11 May 1944	Luxembourg City, Luxembourg	Air Commander	5:30
#177	25 Jul 1944	St. Lo, France	Air Commander	5:00
#179	29 Jul 1944	Merseburg, Germany	Air Commander	8:00
#182	3 Aug 1944	Saarbrucken, Germany	Pilot	6:45
#185	6 Aug 1944	Berlin, Germany	Pilot	8:30
#188	11 Aug 1944	Brest, France	Co-pilot	5:45
#191	16 Aug 1944	Schkeuckitz, Germany	Co-pilot	8:45
#212	2 Oct 1944	Kassel, Germany	Co-pilot	7:30
#222	22 Oct 1944	Hanover, Germany	Pilot	6:50
#243	15 Dec 1944	Kassel, Germany	Co-pilot	10:00
#275	20 Feb 1945	Nurenburg, Germany	Co-pilot	8:05

Mission by Mission

Expand any mission for the aircraft, crew, the group’s documents, and his own log entry.

Mission Rooms — full-exhibit treatments of single missions, built from the complete mission file: Mission 29 · Schweinfurt · Mission 41 · Nantes (Silver Star) · Mission 185 · Genshagen (DFC)

#3 15 May 1943 Emden, Germany Co-pilot 6:00

Target: Industrial Area · Aircraft: B-17 42-29858 · His position: Co-pilot (Maj)

His Form 5, 15 May 1943: B-17F · 6:00 hours — noted “Mission #3.”.

Combat duplication form (load list), mission 3, 15 May 1943 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Combat duplication form (load list)

Mission document, mission 3, 15 May 1943 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Mission document

Crew of 42-29858 (10 men)

Crew roster, mission 3
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Pilot	Lt Col	Clemens K. Wurzbach	—
Co-pilot	Maj	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Navigator	1st Lt	Lawrence P. Stover	508th
Bombardier	2nd Lt	Daniel F. Stevens	508th
Top turret	Sgt	Edwin K. Dearth	508th
Radio	T/Sgt	Edward A. Spencer	508th
Engineer	T/Sgt	Joseph M. Bologna	508th
RWG	S/Sgt	Roscoe M. Pierson	508th
Ball turret	S/Sgt	Robert Conley	508th
Tail gunner	S/Sgt	Carl L. Dickerson	508th

Source: Mission 3 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#7 11 Jun 1943 Wilhelmshaven, Germany Pilot 2:40

Target: Submarine Pens & Docks - Secondary · Aircraft: B-17 42-29849 · His position: Pilot (Maj)

His Form 5, 11 Jun 1943: B-17F · 2:40 hours — noted “Mission No. 7”.

Combat duplication form (load list), mission 7, 11 Jun 1943 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Combat duplication form (load list)

Crew photo: Angel, mission 7, 11 Jun 1943 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Angel

Mission document, mission 7, 11 Jun 1943 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Mission document

Crew of 42-29849 (10 men)

Crew roster, mission 7
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Pilot	Maj	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Co-pilot	Lt Col	Clemens K. Wurzbach	—
Navigator	1st Lt	Charles M. Shaw	511th
Bombardier	1st Lt	Harvey H Jr. Wallace	511th
Top turret	S/Sgt	William J. Doubledee	511th
Radio	T/Sgt	George R. Lee	511th
LWG	S/Sgt	Carl Pettus	511th
RWG	S/Sgt	Dewey A. Paxon	511th
Ball turret	S/Sgt	James H. Vanderlaan	511th
Tail gunner	2nd Lt	George V. Nicolescu	511th

Source: Mission 7 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#10 22 Jun 1943 Huls, Germany Pilot 5:45

Target: Synthetic Rubber Factory · Aircraft: B-17 42-29863 · His position: Pilot (Maj)

His Form 5, 22 Jun 1943: B-17F · 5:45 hours — noted “Mission No. 10”.

Track chart, mission 10, 22 Jun 1943 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Combat duplication form (load list), mission 10, 22 Jun 1943 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Combat duplication form (load list)

Mission document, mission 10, 22 Jun 1943 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Mission document

Crew of 42-29863 (10 men)

Crew roster, mission 10
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Pilot	Maj	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Co-pilot	Lt Col	Clemens K. Wurzbach	—
Navigator	1st Lt	Lawrence P. Stover	508th
Bombardier	2nd Lt	Ernest L. Watts	508th
Top turret	T/Sgt	Donald K. Browne	508th
Radio	T/Sgt	Edward A. Spencer	508th
LWG	S/Sgt	Lionel E. Adams	508th
RWG	S/Sgt	Thaddeus C. Wallace	508th
Ball turret	Sgt	Frank Jr. Fontana	508th
Tail gunner	2nd Lt	John A. Sipher	509th

Source: Mission 10 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#15 29 Jun 1943 Triqueville, France Pilot 3:30

Target: Target Not Bombed - Cloud Cover · Aircraft: B-17 42-29948 · His position: Pilot (Maj)

His Form 5, 29 Jun 1943: B-17F · 3:30 hours — noted “Mission No. 14”.

A numbering wrinkle: his own Form 5 logs this day as “Mission No. 14” where the group’s records say 15 — the one-mission skew that may explain why his official USAF biography counts 24 missions against the Association’s 25.

Track chart, mission 15, 29 Jun 1943 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Crew of 42-29948 (12 men)

Crew roster, mission 15
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Pilot	Maj	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Co-pilot	1st Lt	James T. Stewart	508th
Navigator	1st Lt	Lawrence P. Stover	508th
O	Lt Col	Robert W. Bowles	351st HQ
Bombardier	2nd Lt	Ernest L. Watts	508th
Navigator	2nd Lt	Joseph D. Kitko	509th
Top turret	T/Sgt	Joseph L. Poltrone	509th
Radio	T/Sgt	Russell C. Patten	509th
LWG	T/Sgt	James T. Mills	509th
RWG	S/Sgt	Michael Kucsmas	509th
Ball turret	Sgt	Charles E. Hammack	509th
Tail gunner	1st Lt	Orville Jr. Oldham	508th

Source: Mission 15 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#17 10 Jul 1943 Villacoublay, France Co-pilot 4:30

Target: Target Not Bombed - Cloud Cover · Aircraft: B-17 42-29863 · His position: Co-pilot (Maj)

His Form 5, 10 Jul 1943: B-17F · 4:30 hours — noted “Mission #17”.

Track chart, mission 17, 10 Jul 1943 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Combat duplication form (load list), mission 17, 10 Jul 1943 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Combat duplication form (load list)

Crew of 42-29863 (10 men)

Crew roster, mission 17
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Pilot	Maj	Elzia Ledoux	509th
Co-pilot	Maj	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Navigator	1st Lt	Jack E. Danby	509th
Bombardier	2nd Lt	Daniel F. Stevens	508th
Top turret	S/Sgt	William J. Mile	510th
Radio	T/Sgt	Clarence F. Cupp	510th
LWG	S/Sgt	Clyde L. Eisenhart	510th
RWG	T/Sgt	Lester J. Alexander	510th
Ball turret	S/Sgt	Francisco H. Dillenbeck	510th
Tail gunner	1st Lt	Orville Jr. Oldham	508th

Source: Mission 17 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#20 24 Jul 1943 Heroya, Norway Pilot 8:10

Target: Magnesium Works · Aircraft: B-17 42-29851 · His position: Pilot (Maj)

His Form 5, 24 Jul 1943: B-17F · 8:10 hours — noted “Mission #20”.

Crew of 42-29851 (11 men)

Crew roster, mission 20
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Pilot	Maj	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Co-pilot	Capt	John R. Blaylock	510th
Navigator	1st Lt	Jack E. Danby	509th
Bombardier	1st Lt	William A. Winter	511th
Top turret	T/Sgt	Lester J. Alexander	510th
Radio	T/Sgt	Clarence F. Cupp	510th
LWG	S/Sgt	William J. Mile	510th
RWG	S/Sgt	Francisco H. Dillenbeck	510th
Ball turret	T/Sgt	Clyde L. Eisenhart	510th
Tail gunner	1st Lt	Orville Jr. Oldham	508th
Navigator	1st Lt	Walter Stockman	510th

Source: Mission 20 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#27 15 Aug 1943 Flushing, Holland Pilot 3:45

Target: Airfield · Aircraft: B-17 42-29863 · His position: Pilot (Lt Col)

His Form 5, 15 Aug 1943: B-17F · 3:45 hours — noted “Mission #27”.

Track chart, mission 27, 15 Aug 1943 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Crew of 42-29863 (10 men)

Crew roster, mission 27
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Pilot	Lt Col	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Co-pilot	Capt	John R. Blaylock	510th
Navigator	1st Lt	Walter Stockman	510th
Bombardier	1st Lt	Ernest L. Watts	508th
Top turret	S/Sgt	Louis M. Shadoan	511th
Radio	T/Sgt	Ervin O. Schrock	511th
LWG	T/Sgt	Thomas B. Dye	511th
RWG	S/Sgt	Peter A. Soderling	511th
Ball turret	S/Sgt	Clifton A. Langseth	511th
Tail gunner	Capt	Leonard B. Roper	510th

Source: Mission 27 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#29 17 Aug 1943 Schweinfurt, Germany Pilot 7:00 ROOM

Enter the Schweinfurt mission room — the full file as an exhibit →

Target: Ball Bearing Factory · Aircraft: B-17 42-29925 “The Duchess” · His position: Pilot (Lt Col)

His Form 5, 17 Aug 1943: B-17F · 7:00 hours — noted “Mission #29”.

Schweinfurt — flown in The Duchess. The mission behind “the string on the wall” story.

Track chart, mission 29, 17 Aug 1943 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Combat duplication form (load list), mission 29, 17 Aug 1943 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Combat duplication form (load list)

Crew of 42-29925 (10 men)

Crew roster, mission 29
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Pilot	Lt Col	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Co-pilot	Capt	Andrew J. Koszarek	510th
Navigator	1st Lt	Carl B. Stackhouse	511th
Bombardier	1st Lt	William A. Winter	511th
Top turret	S/Sgt	Edwin B Jr. Lemley	510th
Radio	T/Sgt	Albert J. Tokar	510th
LWG	T/Sgt	Reginald M. Nachreiner	510th
RWG	S/Sgt	Torlief M. Knaphus	510th
Ball turret	S/Sgt	William J. McMahon	510th
Tail gunner	Capt	Leonard B. Roper	510th

Source: Mission 29 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#38 9 Sep 1943 Lille-Norde Air Commander 4:10

Target: Aerodrome · Aircraft: B-17 42-29825 · His position: Air Commander (Lt Col)

His Form 5, 9 Sep 1943: B-17F · 4:10 hours — noted “Mission #38”.

Track chart, mission 38, 9 Sep 1943 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Crew of 42-29825 (12 men)

Crew roster, mission 38
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Air Commander	Lt Col	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Pilot	Maj	Elzia Ledoux	509th
Co-pilot	Capt	Robert H. Johnson	509th
Navigator	1st Lt	Joseph D. Kitko	509th
Bombardier	1st Lt	Archer M. Baird	509th
Top turret	T/Sgt	Melvin T. Armstrong	509th
Radio	T/Sgt	Millard G. Jantz	509th
LWG	S/Sgt	George R. Gilliland	509th
RWG	Sgt	John J. McLain	509th
Ball turret	Sgt	Orrin D. Diltz	509th
Tail gunner	2nd Lt	Robert Y. Fontaine	509th
O	Capt	Clark Gable	508th

Source: Mission 38 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#41 23 Sep 1943 Nantes, France Air Commander 7:35 ROOM

Enter the Nantes mission room — the full file as an exhibit →

Target: Supply Vessel in Harbor · Aircraft: B-17 42-29925 “The Duchess” · His position: Air Commander (Lt Col)

His Form 5, 23 Sep 1943: B-17F · 7:35 hours — noted “Mission #41”.

The Silver Star mission, with Clark Gable aboard The Duchess on his final combat flight.

Track chart, mission 41, 23 Sep 1943 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Combat duplication form (load list), mission 41, 23 Sep 1943 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Combat duplication form (load list)

Crew of 42-29925 (12 men)

Crew roster, mission 41
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Air Commander	Lt Col	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Pilot	Maj	John R. Blaylock	510th
Co-pilot	Capt	John B. Carraway	510th
Navigator	Capt	Ralph W. Menees	351st HQ
Bombardier	1st Lt	James O. Bradley	510th
Top turret	S/Sgt	William J. Mile	510th
Radio	S/Sgt	Clarence F. Cupp	510th
LWG	T/Sgt	Clyde L. Eisenhart	510th
RWG	S/Sgt	Stephen G. Schmidt	510th
Ball turret	S/Sgt	Francisco H. Dillenbeck	510th
Tail gunner	2nd Lt	David H. Palmer	510th
PH	Capt	Clark Gable	508th

Source: Mission 41 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#47 9 Oct 1943 Anklam, Germany Air Commander 8:15

Target: Arado Aircraft Factory · Aircraft: B-17 42-29863 · His position: Air Commander (Lt Col)

His Form 5, 9 Oct 1943: B-17F · 8:15 hours — noted “(Combat)”.

Track chart, mission 47, 9 Oct 1943 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Combat duplication form (load list), mission 47, 9 Oct 1943 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Combat duplication form (load list)

Crew of 42-29863 (12 men)

Crew roster, mission 47
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Air Commander	Lt Col	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Pilot	Capt	John B. Carraway	510th
Co-pilot	1st Lt	Donald M. Norris	511th
Navigator	1st Lt	Carl B. Stackhouse	511th
Bombardier	1st Lt	William A. Winter	511th
Top turret	S/Sgt	William J. Mile	510th
Radio	T/Sgt	Ervin O. Schrock	511th
LWG	S/Sgt	Clyde L. Eisenhart	510th
RWG	S/Sgt	Stephen G. Schmidt	510th
Ball turret	T/Sgt	Lester J. Alexander	510th
Tail gunner	2nd Lt	Robert Y. Fontaine	509th
Navigator	Capt	Ralph W. Menees	351st HQ

Source: Mission 47 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#64 24 Dec 1943 Pas de Calais, France Pilot 4:50

Target: Rocket Launching Installations · Aircraft: B-17 42-37832 · His position: Pilot (Lt Col)

His Form 5, 24 Dec 1943: B-17F · 4:50 hours — noted “Mission #”.

Track chart, mission 64, 24 Dec 1943 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Crew of 42-37832 (11 men)

Crew roster, mission 64
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Pilot	Lt Col	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Co-pilot	1st Lt	Stanley L. Wendt	511th
Navigator	Capt	Ralph W. Menees	351st HQ
Bombardier	Capt	Harvey H Jr. Wallace	511th
Top turret	T/Sgt	William E. Arkwright	509th
Radio	T/Sgt	William A. Harvey	509th
LWG	S/Sgt	James W. Riley	509th
RWG	S/Sgt	Daniel H. Surprise	509th
Ball turret	S/Sgt	Roland Benson	509th
Tail gunner	Capt	Edward C Jr. Boykin	351st HQ
Navigator	Capt	Nelson E. Matthews	510th

Source: Mission 64 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#80 11 Feb 1944 Frankfurt, Germany Pilot 8:00

Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards · Aircraft: B-17 42-3491 · His position: Pilot (Col)

His Form 5, 11 Feb 1944: B-17G · 8:00 hours — noted “Combat Mission No. 80”.

Track chart, mission 80, 11 Feb 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Combat duplication form (load list), mission 80, 11 Feb 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Combat duplication form (load list)

Crew photo: Howard, mission 80, 11 Feb 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Howard

Crew photo: McCall, mission 80, 11 Feb 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: McCall

Crew of 42-3491 (3 men)

Crew roster, mission 80
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Pilot	Col	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Navigator	1st Lt	Ralph H. Schwartz	511th
Tail gunner	1st Lt	John J. Doyle	511th

Source: Mission 80 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#105 10 Apr 1944 Melsbrook near Brussels Air Commander 4:25

Target: Airfield · Aircraft: B-17 42-31955 · His position: Air Commander (Lt Col)

His Form 5, 10 Apr 1944: B-17G · 4:25 hours — noted “COMBAT MISSION NO. 105”.

Track chart, mission 105, 10 Apr 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Mission document, mission 105, 10 Apr 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Mission document

Crew of 42-31955 (12 men)

Crew roster, mission 105
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
XO	Lt Col	Robert W. Bowles	351st HQ
Pilot	Capt	Douglas L. Harris	509th
Air Commander	Lt Col	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Navigator	1st Lt	Carleton A. Cleveland	509th
Bombardier	1st Lt	George M. Decker	509th
Top turret	T/Sgt	William E. Arkwright	509th
Radio	T/Sgt	John B. Watson	509th
LWG	S/Sgt	John W. DeGraff	509th
RWG	T/Sgt	Alexander Hartmann	509th
Ball turret	S/Sgt	Albert F. Jablonski	509th
Tail gunner	2nd Lt	David W. Mills	509th
Navigator	2nd Lt	Otto H. Fedor	509th

Source: Mission 105 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#124 11 May 1944 Luxembourg City, Luxembourg Air Commander 5:30

Target: Railroad marshalling yard & repair shops · Aircraft: B-17 42-97381 · His position: Air Commander (Lt Col)

His Form 5, 11 May 1944: B-17G · 5:30 hours — noted “Combat”.

Track chart, mission 124, 11 May 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Mission document, mission 124, 11 May 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Mission document

Crew of 42-97381 (10 men)

Crew roster, mission 124
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Air Commander	Lt Col	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Co-pilot	Capt	Donald A. Gaylord	511th
Navigator	1st Lt	Leonard L. Korf	511th
Bombardier	1st Lt	Harry Fireman	511th
Top turret	T/Sgt	Paul B. Smith	511th
Radio	T/Sgt	Domenick E. Curcio	511th
LWG	S/Sgt	Robert H. Rumbaugh	511th
Ball turret	S/Sgt	Sam S. Walton	511th
Tail gunner	1st Lt	James G. Rogers	511th
Navigator	1st Lt	Edward B. Maltby	511th

Source: Mission 124 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#177 25 Jul 1944 St. Lo, France Air Commander 5:00

Target: German Front Lines · Aircraft: B-17 42-31879 · His position: Air Commander (Lt Col)

His Form 5, 25 Jul 1944: B-17G · 5:00 hours.

Track chart, mission 177, 25 Jul 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Crew of 42-31879 (11 men)

Crew roster, mission 177
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Air Commander	Lt Col	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Pilot	Capt	Donald E. Floden	508th
Navigator	1st Lt	William D Jr. Badger	508th
Bombardier	1st Lt	Robert E. Lee	508th
Top turret	T/Sgt	John J. Mernagh	508th
Radio	T/Sgt	Wallace R. Scott	508th
LWG	S/Sgt	Rudolph S. Zajec	508th
RWG	S/Sgt	John F. Maloney	508th
Ball turret	S/Sgt	Robert T. Wallace	508th
Tail gunner	Capt	Morris V. Harman	508th
Navigator	1st Lt	Lester W. Boardman	508th

Source: Mission 177 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#179 29 Jul 1944 Merseburg, Germany Air Commander 8:00

Target: Synthetic Oil Plants · Aircraft: B-17 42-97651 · His position: Air Commander (Lt Col)

His Form 5, 29 Jul 1944: B-17G · 8:00 hours.

Track chart, mission 179, 29 Jul 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Combat duplication form (load list), mission 179, 29 Jul 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Combat duplication form (load list)

Crew photo: Bragdon, mission 179, 29 Jul 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Bragdon

Crew photo: Ellis, mission 179, 29 Jul 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Ellis

Crew photo: Franzblau, mission 179, 29 Jul 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Franzblau

Crew photo: Fuerth, mission 179, 29 Jul 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Fuerth

Crew photo: Gumaer, mission 179, 29 Jul 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Gumaer

Crew photo: McGuire, mission 179, 29 Jul 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: McGuire

Crew photo: Morton, mission 179, 29 Jul 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Morton

Crew photo: Signoretti, mission 179, 29 Jul 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Signoretti

Crew photo: Strohmeyer, mission 179, 29 Jul 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Strohmeyer

Crew photo: Taylor, mission 179, 29 Jul 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Taylor

Crew of 42-97651 (11 men)

Crew roster, mission 179
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Pilot	Capt	Sterling L. McClusky	510th
Air Commander	Lt Col	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Navigator	1st Lt	William F. Washburn	510th
Bombardier	Capt	Allan D. Behrendt	510th
Top turret	S/Sgt	John J. Harper	510th
Radio	T/Sgt	Bertram S. Schwartz	510th
LWG	S/Sgt	James D. McNeill	510th
RWG	S/Sgt	John J. Goldthorpe	510th
MO	1st Lt	Donald J. Hoeldke	510th
Tail gunner	2nd Lt	Lewis W. Edwards	511th
Navigator	1st Lt	Richard G. Hough	510th

Source: Mission 179 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#182 3 Aug 1944 Saarbrucken, Germany Pilot 6:45

Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards · Aircraft: B-17 42-97701 · His position: Pilot (Lt Col)

His Form 5, 3 Aug 1944: B-17G · 6:45 hours.

Track chart, mission 182, 3 Aug 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Crew of 42-97701 (11 men)

Crew roster, mission 182
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Pilot	Lt Col	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Co-pilot	1st Lt	Gerald D. Viste	509th
Navigator	Capt	Carleton A. Cleveland	509th
Navigator	1st Lt	Thomas J. Gallagher	509th
Bombardier	1st Lt	George M. Decker	509th
Top turret	T/Sgt	Danvil Lykins	509th
Radio	T/Sgt	Albert C. Omer	509th
LWG	S/Sgt	Evert V. Sahlstrom	509th
RWG	S/Sgt	James C. Young	509th
MO	2nd Lt	Thomas W. Clarke	509th
Tail gunner	Capt	Morris V. Harman	508th

Source: Mission 182 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#185 6 Aug 1944 Berlin, Germany Pilot 8:30 ROOM

Enter the Genshagen mission room — the full file as an exhibit →

Target: Aircraft Engine Factory · Aircraft: B-17 42-97967 · His position: Pilot (Lt Col)

His Form 5, 6 Aug 1944: B-17G · 8:30 hours.

The Distinguished Flying Cross mission: leading the wing against the Genshagen aircraft-engine works near Berlin through intense flak and fighter attacks.

Track chart, mission 185, 6 Aug 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Combat duplication form (load list), mission 185, 6 Aug 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Combat duplication form (load list)

Crew photo: Badgett, mission 185, 6 Aug 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Badgett

Crew photo: Boyd, mission 185, 6 Aug 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Boyd

Crew photo: Chamberlain, mission 185, 6 Aug 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Chamberlain

Crew photo: Hayes, mission 185, 6 Aug 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Hayes

Crew photo: Kearns, mission 185, 6 Aug 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Kearns

Crew photo: Law, mission 185, 6 Aug 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Law

Crew photo: Prokop, mission 185, 6 Aug 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Prokop

Crew photo: Ralston, mission 185, 6 Aug 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Ralston

Crew photo: Roberts, mission 185, 6 Aug 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Roberts

Crew photo: Saunders, mission 185, 6 Aug 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Saunders

Crew photo: Strange, mission 185, 6 Aug 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Strange

Crew photo: Thompson, mission 185, 6 Aug 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Thompson

Crew photo: Uttley, mission 185, 6 Aug 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Uttley

Crew of 42-97967 (11 men)

Crew roster, mission 185
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Pilot	Lt Col	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Co-pilot	Capt	Sterling L. McClusky	510th
Navigator	1st Lt	Billy V. Gwyn	510th
Bombardier	Capt	Allan D. Behrendt	510th
Top turret	S/Sgt	Paul C. Reilly	510th
Radio	T/Sgt	Herman Appelman	510th
LWG	S/Sgt	James D. McNeill	510th
RWG	S/Sgt	Jim H. Foster	510th
MO	2nd Lt	James S. Lunan	509th
Tail gunner	Capt	Morris V. Harman	508th
Navigator	2nd Lt	Benton F Jr. Love	510th

Source: Mission 185 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#188 11 Aug 1944 Brest, France Co-pilot 5:45

Target: Radio Station · Aircraft: B-17 42-97651 · His position: Co-pilot (Lt Col)

His Form 5, 11 Aug 1944: B-17G · 5:45 hours.

Track chart, mission 188, 11 Aug 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Crew of 42-97651 (10 men)

Crew roster, mission 188
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Pilot	1st Lt	Gerald D. Viste	509th
Co-pilot	Lt Col	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Navigator	1st Lt	Thomas J. Gallagher	509th
Bombardier	Capt	William B. Lyttle	351st HQ
Top turret	T/Sgt	Danvil Lykins	509th
Radio	T/Sgt	Albert C. Omer	509th
LWG	S/Sgt	James L. Reynolds	509th
MO	2nd Lt	Thomas W. Clarke	509th
Tail gunner	2nd Lt	George E. Whitaker	509th
Navigator	Maj	Ralph W. Menees	351st HQ

Source: Mission 188 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#191 16 Aug 1944 Schkeuckitz, Germany Co-pilot 8:45

Target: Aircraft Factory & Airfield · Aircraft: B-17 42-97951 · His position: Co-pilot (Lt Col)

His Form 5, 16 Aug 1944: B-17G · 8:45 hours.

Track chart, mission 191, 16 Aug 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Crew photo: Cartwright, mission 191, 16 Aug 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Cartwright

Crew photo: Chauncey, mission 191, 16 Aug 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Crew photo: Chauncey

Crew of 42-97951 (11 men)

Crew roster, mission 191
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Pilot	Capt	Richard H. Brooks	511th
Co-pilot	Lt Col	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Navigator	1st Lt	Logan W. Thackery	511th
Bombardier	1st Lt	Harry Hamel	511th
Top turret	T/Sgt	Eugene Ethridge	511th
Radio	T/Sgt	Clarence E. Landis	511th
LWG	S/Sgt	William Kosch	511th
RWG	S/Sgt	Charles G. Boundy	511th
Navigator	1st Lt	Edward B. Maltby	511th
Tail gunner	1st Lt	Francis J. Hopkins	511th
MO	1st Lt	George J. Homza	511th

Source: Mission 191 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#212 2 Oct 1944 Kassel, Germany Co-pilot 7:30

Target: Ordinance Depot · Aircraft: B-17 44-8045 · His position: Co-pilot (Lt Col)

His Form 5, 2 Oct 1944: B-17G · 7:30 hours.

Track chart, mission 212, 2 Oct 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Crew of 44-8045 (10 men)

Crew roster, mission 212
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Pilot	1st Lt	Charles E. Wolcott	509th
Co-pilot	Lt Col	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Navigator	Maj	Ralph W. Menees	351st HQ
Bombardier	2nd Lt	Wayne R. Smith	509th
Top turret	S/Sgt	Edwin G. Fischer	509th
Radio	S/Sgt	Pershing G. Reese	509th
LWG	Sgt	Vincent M. Attanasio	509th
MO	2nd Lt	James S. Lunan	509th
Tail gunner	2nd Lt	John R. Coulam	509th
Navigator	2nd Lt	Joseph A Jr. Glover	509th

Source: Mission 212 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#222 22 Oct 1944 Hanover, Germany Pilot 6:50

Target: Industrial Area · Aircraft: B-17 42-97651 · His position: Pilot (Lt Col)

His Form 5, 22 Oct 1944: B-17G · 6:50 hours.

Track chart, mission 222, 22 Oct 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Crew of 42-97651 (10 men)

Crew roster, mission 222
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Pilot	Lt Col	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Co-pilot	Capt	John T. Eickhoff	510th
Navigator	1st Lt	Edward B. Maltby	511th
Bombardier	Capt	William B. Lyttle	351st HQ
Top turret	T/Sgt	J T W. Mann	510th
Radio	T/Sgt	Vance T. Riddle	510th
LWG	S/Sgt	Dale R. Leonard	510th
Navigator	2nd Lt	Benton F Jr. Love	510th
MO	1st Lt	Donald J. Hoeldke	510th
Tail gunner	2nd Lt	Russell M. McConnell	510th

Source: Mission 222 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#243 15 Dec 1944 Kassel, Germany Co-pilot 10:00

Target: Locomotive Workshops · Aircraft: B-17 44-8376 · His position: Co-pilot (Lt Col)

His Form 5, 15 Dec 1944: B-17G · 10:00 hours.

Track chart, mission 243, 15 Dec 1944 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Crew of 44-8376 (11 men)

Crew roster, mission 243
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Pilot	1st Lt	Duane S. Anderson	511th
Co-pilot	Lt Col	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Navigator	Capt	Edward B. Maltby	511th
Bombardier	Capt	William B. Lyttle	351st HQ
Top turret	T/Sgt	Douglas H. Stewart	511th
Radio	T/Sgt	Robert T. Jankowski	511th
LWG	S/Sgt	Milton L. Griffin	511th
RWG	1st Lt	Glen E. McMillan	511th
MO	1st Lt	Harvey H. Trombly	511th
Tail gunner	2nd Lt	Lewis W. Edwards	511th
Navigator	1st Lt	Milton J. Morrisette	511th

Source: Mission 243 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

#275 20 Feb 1945 Nurenburg, Germany Co-pilot 8:05

Target: Railroad Marshalling Yards · Aircraft: B-17 44-8664 · His position: Co-pilot (Lt Col)

His Form 5, 20 Feb 1945: B-17G · 8:05 hours.

His last documented combat mission. His 2003 Morning Report recalls a late-March Berlin finale with navigator Ben Love, but neither the Association’s records nor his own March 1945 Form 5 shows it — an open question the archive preserves rather than resolves.

Track chart, mission 275, 20 Feb 1945 (351st Bomb Group Association) — Track chart

Crew of 44-8664 (10 men)

Crew roster, mission 275
Position	Rank	Name	Squadron
Pilot	Capt	Clifford T. Pryor	511th
Co-pilot	Lt Col	Robert W. Burns (Bob)	351st HQ
Navigator	Maj	Ralph W. Menees	351st HQ
Bombardier	1st Lt	Warren C. Steitz	351st HQ
Top turret	T/Sgt	Edward R. Poppe	511th
Radio	T/Sgt	Silvio A. Rossi	511th
LWG	S/Sgt	Dewey A. Paxon	511th
MO	2nd Lt	Harvey H. Trombly	511th
Navigator	F/O	Leon R. Phelps	511th
Tail gunner	1st Lt	Roy W. Hallowa	—

Source: Mission 275 at 351st.org (351st Bomb Group Association)

Source Context

Mission records © their compilers at the 351st Bomb Group Association, archived here with admiration; images mirrored for preservation. Bob’s hours and remarks from his digitized AAF Form 5 records (this archive’s database). Cross-references: his Morning Report stories, the press clippings, and his decorations (Silver Star: HQ Eighth AF GO No. 223, 8 Dec 1943).