Bob Bacher signed up to the AAF. Cadet programme in November 1942 but was not called up until June 1943. He was initially trained as a bombardier, then in December 1943 as an advanced navigator. He eventually arrived at North Pickenham flying on his first mission 25th August 1944. On his 5th mission over Germany flak severed the control cable and they were unable to steer the aircraft, which fortunately was headed west at the time. They bailed out north of Paris and just 50 hours later were back at Pickenham. On 9th October - again over Germany - flak damaged the main gasoline transfer valve and they were again forced to bail out, fortunately over friendly territory. He later graduated from Penn State and worked with telephones for 41 years, retiring in 1988 as Operating Vice President of the Keystone Region for Bell Atlantic Corp. Treasurer of the 'Ringmasters' 1995-2001

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