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.
Tom Bob Montjoy
In December 1941 Tom Bob Mountjoy volunteered to join the Army Air Corps and did not return to his Kentucky home till June... read more
Owen Raymer
Owen Raymer (my Father) living in Louisville was inducted into the Army and assigned to General Patton's 7th Army. Owen's... read more
William Mudd
William Mudd was born a farmer's son in Caneyville,Ky in 1916. His three brothers all served in the military and have sinc... read more
elise tighe
in my immediate neighborhood there were four boys--all friends of each other--who were drafted. my brother was one of th... read more
Gladys martin
Lt. Martin landed on the beach in Africa with American invasion troops near Oran,Algeria November 1942. She was an emerg... read more