Robert Leety had re-enlisted after completing 60 to 65 missions over Europe. Leety was flying as Leader of Yellow Flight in the 366th Fighter Squadron on an Armed Reconnaissance mission near Bitche, France on 15 March 1945. His flight had completed their mission, but Leety dove down to identify the target to the flight that was relieving his. His airplane took a direct hit in the engine as he pulled up. He attempted to egress the area, but as his engine failed, he attempted to belly land in a valley close to friendly lines. Unfortunately his P-47D-5-RE Serial 42-8664 overshot and hit some trees. The airplane caught fire almost immediately and burned completely, except for the tail section. According to two eyewitnesses in his flight, there was no sign of life after his airplane hit the ground. MACR 13029.