Robert K Ritchie
Military
47th BG - 97th BS - 12th AF
L to R: Robert K. Ritchie (P), Archie D. Mull (G), Robert T. Coale (G), Harold D. Hackett (RN)
This crew was shot down flying A-20K 44-577 (not the A-20B in photo) on 23 Feb 1945.
Ritchie was KIA. Coale was not onboard. Mull was captured. Hackett evaded and returned to duty.
Object Number - UPL 47532 - Robert K. Ritchie Crew 47th BG - 97th BS - 12th AF L to R: Robert K. Ritchie (P), Archie D. Mull (G), Robert T. Coale (G), Harold D. Hackett...
MACR 12137.
Awards: PH.
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Twelfth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Twelfth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 47th Bomb Group 97th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-749961
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Bombardier / Navigator
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 47th Bomb Group 97th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 17027936
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Arm/Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 47th Bomb Group 97th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 18032573
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Gunner
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: A-20 Havoc
- Nicknames: Hoosier Gal
- Unit: 47th Bomb Group 97th Bomb Squadron
Places
![Ground personnel of the 51st Fighter Group, 10th Air Force work on a P-47 Thunderbolt (serial number 42-29264). Handwritten caption on reverse: '51 FG, 316 FS, [illegible].'](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-457064.jpg.webp?itok=K4c3SuWM)
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Grosetto Main
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Born |
Kings County, California | 31 August 1921 | |
|
Died |
55022 Montefegatesi LU, Italy | 5 February 1945 | Engine trouble caused Ritchie to not be able to maintain altitude in a mountainous area. He initially called and said that he thought the engine trouble had been rectified, but quickly realized that wasn't the case. After the bombardier called to ask when they should jump, Ritchie replied "Go right now!" His three crew were able to safely bail out while he tried to maintain control. Ritchie rode the aircraft in and was KIA. |
|
Buried |
Pievepelago, Italy | 6 February 1945 | Interred Pievepelago Cemetery |
|
Buried |
Golden Gate National Cemetery San Bruno San Mateo County CA | Re-Interred Golden Gate National Cemetery San Bruno San Mateo County California, USA | |
| Montgomery, Alabama | listed as a soldier in the US Army | ||
| Armona, CA |
Revisions
Contributor466thHistorian
ChangesChanges to biography. Changes to Role of Honour Picture. Changes to Role of Honour Picture
Sources
Cleaned up bio
ContributorAl_Skiff
ChangesChanges to events
ContributorAl_Skiff
ChangesChanges to events and unit associations
Contributor466thHistorian
ChangesChanges to events
Contributor466thHistorian
ChangesChanges to events
ContributorAl_Skiff
ChangesChanges to place associations
ContributorAl_Skiff
ChangesCreated entry with surname, middlename, firstname, nationality, service number, highest rank, role, biography, events, person associations and unit associations