2d Lt Emory Leo Robbins, Jr.
October 14, 1918 – July 27, 1944
Class: 43-J-SE
Graduation Date: November 13, 1943
Unit: 332nd Fighter Group, 302nd Fighter Squadron
Service # O-814836
Emory was born in 1918 to Emory Robbins and Florence Hansbro. He was born in Indiana, but his parents moved to the Chicago area when he was young. His father worked as a clerk in the post office. Emory attended the Wilson Junior College and was employed by the Carnegie-Illnois Steel Corporation prior to enrolling in the Tuskegee Air Pilot Program. He completed his primary flight training in August of 1943. He was assigned to the 302nd Fighter Squadron based in Ramitelli, Italy.
On July 27, 1944, Emory left Ramitelli airbase piloting a P-51C as part of a penetration escort. The intended destination was Budapest, Hungary. Just north of Lake Balaton, the escort fliers encountered enemy fighters. It was noted that Emory did not break away into a dive with his lead man. He was not seen again and was presumed to have crashed near Jánosháza.
His body was returned to the United States at his parents’ request, in 1948 where he was buried in Lincoln Cemetery. Services were held for him at St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church in September. Military rites were conducted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9421, which was named in his honor.
Sources:
HonorStates.org
WikiTree.com
