During World War II, Robert Westbrook became a U.S. Army Air Forces QUADRUPLE ACE, credited with shooting down 20 enemy aircraft in aerial combat, before he himself was reported missing in action after a mission in November 1944.
Sponsored by:
Robert
Burdette
Westbrook
MIA (WWII) KIA
November 9, 1917
–
November 22, 1944
Cemetery:
A.B.M.C. Manila (Wall of the Missing)
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
44th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
18th Fighter GroupDivision:
13th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 89 (April 16, 1943)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Robert Burdette Westbrook (ASN: 0-424187), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Lightning Fighter Airplane of the 44th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1942 and 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Westbrook, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
44th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
18th Fighter GroupDivision:
13th Air ForceAction Date:
December 23, 24, & 25, 1943
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 347 (March 3, 1944)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Air Corps) Robert Burdette Westbrook (ASN: 0-424187), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane in the 44th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 23, 24, and 25 December 1943, in the Southwest Pacific Area of Operations. On 23 December Major Westbrook shot down one enemy aircraft. On 24 December Major Westbrook shot down three enemy airplanes in a single engagement, and on 25 December he shot down two more. Major Westbrook’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 13th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
44th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
18th Fighter GroupDivision:
13th Air ForceAction Date:
November 22, 1944
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 1366 (July 6, 1945)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major (Air Corps) Robert Burdette Westbrook (ASN: 0-424187), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Lightning Fighter Airplane of the 44th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on or about 22 November 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Westbrook, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
44th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
18th Fighter GroupDivision:
13th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Robert Burdette Westbrook (ASN: 0-424187), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane in the 44th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
44th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
18th Fighter GroupDivision:
13th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Robert Burdette Westbrook (ASN: 0-424187), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane in the 44th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, THIRTEENTH Air Force, in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.