Robert BB Black

Robert BB Black [1]

Death Details/Burial/Memorial Services: Bruce was honorable discharged on 3/11/1944. He later accepted a commission and was promoted to First Lieutenant on 7/1/1945, just 4 days from his final flight. He was reported missing after a strafing mission on the coast of southeast China. Flying at a low altitude, his wing struck a ship mast, and the P-51 fell and exploded on a dock. His memorial marker is at Punchbowl National Cemetery in Honolulu, HI.

Age at Death: 21

Image Source: Eric Sanburg

Awards:

Purple Heart, Wings - 3/19/1944

Biographical Notes:

Red Cross member, 1944

Date of Birth:

5/5/1924

Birthplace:

Maiden, NC

Education Details:

Davidson College, entered 9/1942, Pittsburgh University, Lees-McRae College, graduated 6/1/1942

Family Details:

Gladys Burnside Mr. & Mrs. August C. and Elizabeth Cleo Whitener Black - Maiden, NC Clara Ruth Black Little, Ensign Mary Hilda Black, Navy Nurse - Maiden, NC Mr. and Mrs. I. L. Burnside of Chester, SC - in-laws

First Name:

Robert "BB"

KIA / MIA Place:

China

KIA Date:

7/5/1945

Last Name:

Black

Middle Name:

Bruce

Military Details:

China (last assignment 1944-5), India, Maxwell Field, Montgomery, AL, US Army 403 Tech School Squadron, #4, Miami, FL, Napier Field, Dothan, AL; discharged on 3/11/1944, Nashville Army Air Center, Nashville, TN, 60th College Training Detachment Air Crew, U. of Pittsburgh, Camden, SC, Elgin Field at Valparaiso, FL, Pinellas Army air Field, St. Petersburg, FL, Africa (rest stop), 8/1944

Military Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Source:

Davidson College Bulletin and annuals, death index; Eric Sanburg

Military Unit:

14th Air Force Pilot of Air Fortress 26th Fighter Squadron 51st Fighter Group

Exhibit & Section:

Gold Star Veterans [2]

Veteran Records [3]

MIA Date: