Bobby Fautt was born in Bryson, Tennessee, on October 29, 1917, the son of Linda Stevenson and Robert H. Fautt, Sr. Early recognized as an outstanding boy in the community, Bob made legions of friends and served his community well as a Boy Scout, rising to the distinction of Eagle Scout, and finally, Scout Master.



Fautt entered West Point in July, 1938. In the summer of 1942 he began his flying training at Randolph Field, Texas, where he was selected as Cadet Captain during Basic Training. He received his pilot’s wings in December, 1942. and was graduated from West Point in January, 1943.

In September of 1943, he was transferred to a combat unit overseas, the 358th Fighter Group.



Fautt crashed landed in Southern England on return from operations on 31 Dec 1943. He survived but with serious injuries. Following hospitalization in England, he was returned to the United States to the Station Hospital at Fort Logan, Colorado, remaining there until he recovered.



On August 1, 1947, during the Air Force Day Show at Vernam Field, Jamaica, B. W. I., flying the only fighter in the show, Bob dived on the field in a P-47 and executed two slow rolls. At the completion of the second roll the aircraft lost speed, stalled, and crashed. He was killed instantly. His body was returned to his home in Pulaski, Tennessee, for burial which took place on August 18, 1947.