World War II Honoree

Robert E. Barney

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Parma, Missouri

Honored By

Arnold A. Wright

Relationship

Friend

ASSIGNED DUTY AS PILOT OF A B-17 BOMBER OF THE 385TH BOMB GROUP, 8TH AIR FORCE. ON BOMBING MISSION, ATTACKED BY GERMAN FIGHTERS DISABLING ENGINES NUMBER 1 AND 4. FELL OUT OF FORMATION, ORDERED CREW TO BAIL OUT AND HE BEGAN FREE FALL TO ESCAPE GERMAN FIGHTERS. LANDED IN RESIDENTIAL AREA AND ATTACKED BY LOCAL WOMEN AND FINALLY BEFRIENDED BY A LOCAL WHO TOOK HIM TO HER HOME AND GAVE AID. GESTAPO SUMMONED AND WAS FINALLY CONFINED TO STALAG LUFT III.