Navy Federal Credit Union

Robert Henderson was on of the six member’s of Pilot Lyle Anacker’s B-25 Bomber Air Crew, and all six were awarded Silver Stars in their final mission. Four members of the crew survived the crash landing, but only Henderson and one other airman made it to shore. The others are listed as missing in action.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    500th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    345th Bombardment Group (M)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 6 (January 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 Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Robert T. Henderson (ASN: 13022773), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a member of the Air Crew of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber of the 500th Bombardment Squadron, 345th Bombardment Group (Medium), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations over Rabaul, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea, on 18 October 1943. Over the target his bomber attacked a 6,000 ton ship, which is believed to have sunk. While returning to base they were attacked by Japanese enemy fighters and one gunner noted that the B-25’s shot down 5 of the enemy fighters. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Henderson, 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.