World War II Honoree
World War II Veteran
Robert S. Raymond
Branch of Service
U.S. Army Air Force
Hometown
Lawrence, Kansas
Honored By
Allan Henderson
Joined the American Vounteer Ambulance Corps in 1940 and served in France until the German Occupation. Escaped France via Spain and Portugal and arrived in England via steamer. Joined the Royal Air Force and became a Flight Officer and rated Bomber Pilot in the Royal Air Force 44 Rhodesia Squadron flying Night Bombing missions aboard Avro Lancaster Bomber named the 'Kansas Jayhawk'. Earned the British Distinguished Flying Cross, 1939 Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Air Crew Europe Star, the Defense Medal and War Medal. He was the only American to complete an Operational Tour with the Royal Air Force Bomber Command. After returning to the USA. he served in the Army Air Forces as a flight instructor on B-17 and B-24 bombers.