Robert Theodore Roberts
First Lieutenant Robert T. “Bob” Roberts was a Marine Corps fighter pilot who flew with VMF-213.
He was reported missing in action following an escort mission to Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 23 September 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Reserve
Service Number O-18305
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
History
Born in Saint Anthony, Idaho on 14 November 1920. Robert was the eldest son of Jack and Ruth Roberts; younger brothers were William and Joe. Bob grew up in Colfax, Washington and graduated from West Valley High School in Spokane. He attended two years at Washington State College, and before entering the service was employed by Douglas Aircraft in Santa Monica, California.
Bob Roberts joined the Navy in April 1942 with the intention to become a pilot. He trained at NATC Corpus Christi and received the gold wings of a fighter pilot; as one of the top pilots in his class, he was offered a Marine Corps commission. Roberts accepted the rank of second lieutenant on 22 January 1943.
2Lt. Roberts depolyed to the Pacific in the summer of 1943 and joined VMF-213 (the Hell Hawks) in time for the squadron’s second combat tour. He participated in numerous missions over the Solomon Islands, and after a brief spell of R&R returned for another tour.
On 23 September 1943, VMF-213 sent a division of four Corsairs (pilots Shaw, Roberts, Thomas, and Hendschy) to provide fighter escort for a bomber strike on Bougainville. The target was a group of anti-aircraft positions at Jakohina.
As the bombers made their runs at 0930, a group of Japanese “Zeke” fighter attacked the escort. Lieutenant Roberts in F4U-1 #17920 became separated from his division, and was not seen after the opening moments of the fight. Lieutenant Thomas was also shot down, and the division returned to Munda at half strength.
Search operations over the following days rescued Lieutenant Thomas, but failed to find any trace of Bob Roberts. He was reported as missing in action, and finally declared dead on 10 January 1946.
News of his loss was reported to his father, Jack H. Roberts, who was temporarily living in Santa Monica.
Decorations
Purple Heart
For wounds or injuries resulting in his death in action.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of parents, Jack & Ruth Roberts.
Location Of Loss
Roberts was last seen in the vicinity of Jakohina (Buin), Bougainville
