World War II Honoree

Robert L. Hite

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Odell, Texas

Honored By

Ralph Bozorth

HE WAS A LIEUTENANT COLONEL AND THE CO-PILOT ON THE 16TH B-25 BOMBER THAT TOOK OFF FROM THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS HORNET FOR THE DOOLITTLE RAID ON TOKYO, JAPAN APRIL 18, 1942. CAPTURED AFTER TOKYO RAID AND IMPRISONED BY THE JAPANESE FOR 40 MONTHS. LIBERATED BY AMERICAN TROOPS ON AUGUST 20, 1945. DECORATIONS INCLUDE THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS, PURPLE HEART WITH 1 OAK LEAF CLUSTER AND CHINESE BREST ORDER OF PAO TING.