Robert James Shoens
Military
Object Number - UPL 63560 - 1st Lt Robert J. Shoens
Assigned to 351BS, 100BG, 8AF USAAF. ETD
Awards: DFC, AM (4OLC), American campaign, EAME (3BS), WWII Victory.
"Bob flew his first mission in January 1944, and he went on to complete 28 combat missions by May 1944. During the March 6, 1944 mission to Berlin, Bob led his crew through the flak and fighters. They were the only crew from the 351st Squadron to return to Thorpe Abbotts that day"
Connections
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Units served with
![Three airmen of the 100th Bomb Group, Lieutenant Kenneth Menzie, Lieutenant Donald Strout and Lieutenant Norman Scott, plan the route they will take during the next mission in their B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-30380). Image stamped on reverse: 'Reviewed and passed U.S. Army 23 Aug 1943 Press Censor E.T.O. U.S.A.' [stamp]'. Passed for publication 23 August 1943 INTLD 16 General Section Press Censorship Bureau '[stamp], 'Associated Press' [stamp] and '280035.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reve](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-378743.jpg.webp?itok=HBB0lqjl)
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 351st Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Tail Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 351st Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Sergeant
- Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner; Flight Engineer
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 351st Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 351st Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Radio Operator/Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 351st Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Navigator
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
- Nicknames: Our Gal Sal
- Unit: 100th Bomb Group 482nd Bomb Group 351st Bomb Squadron
Missions
- Date: 6 March 1944
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Born |
13 August 1921 | BornDetroit, Michigan | |
|
Enlisted |
17 April 1942 | EnlistedDetroit, Michigan | |
|
Died |
3 February 2024 | National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force"It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Capt. Robert J. “Bob” Shoens. Bob visited the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force during the 100thBG Foundation 2013 Reunion. Bob served as a pilot in the 351st Bomb Squadron, flying the famed B-17 “Our Gal Sal.” Bob flew his first mission in January 1944, and he went on to complete 28 combat missions by May 1944. During the March 6, 1944 mission to Berlin, Bob led his crew through the flak and fighters. They were the only crew from the 351st Squadron to return to Thorpe Abbotts that day. He passed away on February 3, 2024 at 102.Captain Bob Shoens’ dedication to honoring the 100th Bomb Group of the Eighth Air Force was a testament to his selflessness and commitment to his country. Bob was determined to help ensure the men of the Bloody Hundredth would never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Fly high" |
Revisions
https://erldc.org/obituary/captain-robert-j-bob-shoens-obituary/
Additional words etc. courtesy of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.
100th Bomb Group Foundation Directory, 2000 - 2001 / Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia
