Robert Theodore Frost, Jr.
First Lieutenant Robert T. Frost, Jr., was a Marine pilot with VMSB-235.
He was reported missing in action after a strike on Monoitu Mission, Bougainville, on 18 December 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number O-26409
Current Status
Remains not recovered.
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
September 1, 1920
at Brockton, MA
Parents
Robert Theodore Frost, Sr.
Signe Maria (Tornberg) Frost
Education
Chattanooga High School (1938)
Cornell University (1942)
Occupation & Employer
Enlisted from college.
Service Life
Entered Service
July 4, 1942 (enlisted)
July 6, 1943 (commission)
Home Of Record
7 Newport Road
Cambridge, MA
Next Of Kin
Mother, Mrs. Signe Frost
Military Specialty
Pilot
Primary Unit
VMSB-235
Campaigns Served
Solomon Islands
Individual Decorations
Air Medal
Purple Heart
Additional Service Details
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Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Second Lieutenant Robert T. Frost, Jr., was a decorated Marine pilot with VMSB-235, a dive bomber squadron that participated in the campaign for the northern Solomon Islands.
On 18 December 1943, VMSB-235 launched a series of strikes against targets across Bougainville. Frost and his gunner, Corporal Carl F. Bower, flew on the day’s sixth mission with the intent of bombing and strafing Monoitu Mission. Their Dauntless dive bomber (SBD-5 35961) was last seen over the target at 300 feet, “in an uncontrolled dive.” The aircraft was not actually seen to hit the ground, but surviving flyers reported a large fire burning on the ground which they presumed to be Frost and Bower’s SBD.
Burial Information or Disposition
Both Marines were reported as missing in action following the mission, and declared dead as of 19 December 1944.
Frost was promoted to First Lieutenant while in missing status.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of mother, Mrs. Signe Frost.
Location Of Loss
Frost and Bower were last seen on a strike against Monoitu Mission, Bougainville.
