Sgt. Robert Stuart Killed In B-24 Bomber Crash

REMEMBER THE FALLEN

STAFF SERGEANT ROBERT S. STUART

KILLED IN B-24 BOMBER CRASH 

By Bob LessardHistorian, Simeon L. Nickerson

Post 64 A.L.

(Periodically, the Gazette will publish biographical sketches of Middleboro’s war casualties. This is intended to remember the sacrifices of all veterans and especially those who gave their lives to our country. A slogan which truly reflects thoughts about our veterans states: “ALL GAVE SOME, SOME GAVE ALL.”)

 Staff Sergeant Robert Stuart was reported as “missing in action in the Soulled Manche area of St. Lo, France” on July 24, 1944, while flying as a gunner/radio operator in a B-24 Liberator bomber. United states Army Air Force officials later declared Sgt. Stuart as “killed in action” by military officials.

 His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Stuart of 37 Vine Street, were originally informed of their son being listed as “missing in action” by a telephone call from Robert’s wife, Irene (Gaskell) of Fanwood, New Jersey. She was serving with the Waves in Washington, D.C. at the time. His mother had recently received a letter from him dated July 23 from England.

 Robert was born in Middleboro on August 28, 1917. He was educated in Middleboro public schools.  While in high school, he participated in sports as a long distance runner. He was a graduate of Middleboro Memorial High School Class of 1936. He was inducted into the Army on February 11, 1941 at Middleboro.

 At the time of the plane’s crash, Robert was serving at an Eighth AAF Heavy bombardment base in England. He had received an Air Medal “for meritorious achievement…coolness, courage and skill during bombing attacks on Nazi war-making installations.”

 Colonel Ernest F. Wackwitz, Jr., commander of the Liberator unit, in awarding the Air Medal praised the airman’s “successful participation in bomber attacks which are weakening German resistance and helping to insure success for the allied armies of invasion.”

 Besides his wife and parents, he is survived by two brothers: Corporal Charles E., 36, in the Army invasion of France and S-1C Donald J., 30, who was on convoy escort duty.

 Following his death, Robert Stuart’s remains were recovered from an “isolated” grave near the crash scene and returned to the United States. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery on September 6, 1951 with full military honors. Representing Middleboro in Virginia at the interment was Vincent J. Preti of John Glass, Jr., Post 2188 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Staff Sergeant Robert Stuart is remembered in Middleboro by the bridge dedicated in his memory on Route 25 now Interstate 495 over Wareham Street.  There are two designated memorial signs posted with American flags in remembrance of him at each side of the bridge.  This memorial bridge honor was passed by the Massachusetts Legislature. His name is also engraved in the World War 2 section on the Central Casualty stone located in Middleboro’s Veterans Memorial Park. ( 11-23-17)