World War II Honoree

Robert Telford Henderson

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Elders Ridge, Pennsylvania

Honored By

Joseph Henderson

Relationship

Brother

JOINED ARMY AIR CORPS IN 3/41. HAD GUNNERY TRAINING AT CERRO, TEXAS. ASSIGNED TO 345TH BOMB GROUP IN AUSTRALIA, FLEW COMBAT MISSIONS FROM PORT MORESBY, NEW GUINEA. ON 16TH MISSION THE 'MARY JO' WAS SHOT DOWN IN FLAMES OVER THE OCEAN. DESPITE SERIOUS INJURIES TO HIS ARMS AND LEGS, HE SURVIVED USING HIS MAE WEST TO FLOAT HIMSELF OUT OF THE SINKING PLANE. MADE AN UNBELIEVABLE SWIM TO NEAREST ISLAND, WHERE HE WAS FOUND BY ISLAND WOMEN. THEY TOOK HIM TO A MISSIONARY PRIEST. THIS “ANGEL” TENDED HIS WOUNDS, FED AND HID HIM FOR A YEAR FROM THE CONSTANTLY SEARCHING ENEMY. WHEN FINALLY RESCUED, HE WAS EXTENSIVELY HOSPITALIZED, AND RETURNED HOME. HIS MEDALS INCLUDE SILVER STAR, PURPLE HEART AND REGIONAL COMBAT RIBBONS.