World War II Honoree

Robert Jones Friend

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Columbia, South Carolina

Honored By

A Grateful American

Upon completing his training, he was commissioned officer and assigned to the 301st fighter squadron of the 332nd fighter group. He was deployed overseas, was first sent to North Africa, then to the European theater of operations. As a combat operations officer at the squadron and group, he was responsible for planning and organizing implementation of strategic and tactical air missions. He was a skilled at flying both P-47 aircraft and P51 mustangs, he served as wingman for Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. he flew 127 combat mission during WWII.