Frazier International History Museum
WWII
48 Local stories that changed the world.
October 10, 2009 - March 28th 2009
ROBERT BURNS
Louisville, KY
2nd Lt. Robert "Bob" Burns was a fighter pilot with the 325th Fighter Wing, 318th Fighter Squadron, located in Miramare, Italy at the Rimini Airdrom.March 14, 1945 the 318th was involed in a big air battle over Germany. Flying escort duty for B-17's.
Heading back to base; the squadron leader 1st Lt. Gordon McDaniel saw a flight of Germany Fw-190's below his group of P-51 Mustangs. He ordered his group to drop in behind them to make sure he wasn't attacking a Russian group in the area.He ordered the guys to drop tanks.The fight was on! But there was a problem' Only 2 P-51s started the attack #40 Lt. McDaniel "MARY MAC" and #63 Lt. Burns "JAN's LITTLE JOE" Out numbered by the Jerrys 3 to 1 Lt. McDaniel scored 5 victories and Lt. Burns one . McDaniel made ace in one day; and who was his wing man 2nd Lt. Bob Burns of Louisville KY. That day the 318th scored 18 victories.
Which one will it be
Read the stories submitted by our visitors below. One of them will be selected at random in January 2010 and given a place of honor in the exhibit.
Norman Veron
I was inducted into the Army Oct 1941. Arrived in Belfast Ireland May 1942, recieved Commando training in preparation for ... read more
Philip C. Hickey
My Father, Philip Clark Hickey left his high school at St Xavier, in Louisville, Kentucky at age 17 to enlist for the dura... read more
Zarsh Rewton
Welcome Home!!!!! read more
William Brunsman
William J. Brunsman 2nd Lt. 82nd Airborne; 5 campaigns: Sicily, Naples Foggia, Normandy, Ardennes, Rhineland. Voluntee... read more
Joseph A. Kirby
In February 1944 I turned 18 and joined the Marine Corps and was on my way to Parris Island, S.C. for boot training. Next ... read more