| Robert Wilson Abernathy | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | March 31, 1923 |
| Died | December 14, 2008 (aged 85) |
| Place of birth | Pulaski, Tennessee |
| Place of death | Mason City, Iowa |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army Air Forces |
| Years of service | 1942–1945 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Service number |
14162048 - Enlisted O767055 - Officer |
| Unit | 350th Fighter Squadron, 353rd Fighter Group |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Robert Wilson Abernathy (31 March 1923 in Pulaski, Tennessee – 14 December 2008 in Mason City, Iowa) was an American Captain in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.
Early life[]
Robert was born in Pulaski, Tennessee on 31 March 1923 to Clarence and Minnie Abernathy. He also had three other siblings which were twins.
Military service[]
Robert enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces from Camp Forrest, Tennessee on December 12, 1942 (ASN: 14162048). He later received a battlefield commission (ASN: O-767055) while serving with the 350th Fighter Squadron, 353rd Fighter Group. He scored a total of five victories in aerial combat. He was discharged on November 25, 1945. A replica of his plane hangs in the "Sullivan Brothers" Grout Museum in Waterloo, Indiana.
Later life[]
He worked for Bell Telephone Company as an installer for 35 years. He was active in Barbershoppers and was a singer and active in his church, the 5th Street Church of Christ. He was an avid gardener and baseball enthusiast. He was very generous with friends and neighbors and will be known for his southern accent and friendliness.
Personal life[]
In 1946 he married the former Julia Bulie Orton. She died in 1985. They had 2 children which were Carol and Diane.
Death[]
He was interned at the Willow Pointe Senior Living center in Mason City in Iowa where he died on December 14, 2008. He was buried in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Mason City.
Awards & decorations[]
- Pilot Badge
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Air Medal with 12 oak leaf clusters
- American Campaign Medal
- European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
- World War II Victory Medal
Sources[]
- http://www.cieldegloire.com/014_abernathy_r_w.php
- http://www.americanairmuseum.com/person/196100
- http://iagenweb.org/cerrogordo/obituaries/A_Obits/cg_obit_abernathyrobertw.htm
- https://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-detail.jsp?dt=893&mtch=1&tf=F&q=Robert+W.+Abernathy&bc=&rpp=10&pg=1&rid=968630
- https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/60494040/robert-w-abernathy
- http://iagenweb.org/boards/cerrogordo/obituaries/index.cgi?read=339875
- http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/robert-abernathy-obituary?pid=1000000121442693&view=guestbook
- https://www.fold3.com/page/527919919-robert-abernathy-1923/facts
The original article can be found at Robert W. Abernathy and the edit history here.