World War II Honoree

Robert Wheeler Hendershott

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Bend, Oregon

Honored By

Bend Heroes Foundation

SERVED AS AN OBSERVATION PILOT IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC ABOARD THE LIGHT CRUISER USS SANTA FE. DURING OPENING OF THE BATTLE OF IWO JIMA, HE PILOTED A LIGHTLY ARMED KINGFISHER SCOUT SEAPLANE AND WAS SHOT DOWN BY JAPANESE ZERO FIGHTERS. HE LANDED HIS PLANE SAFELY AND WAS LATER RESCUED AT SEA. HE WAS AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS, AIR MEDAL AND PURPLE HEART.