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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Robert Rosenthal (ASN: 0-792349), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 418th Bombardment Squadron, 100th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in bombing missions over enemy territory from 3 October 1943 to 10 September 1944. As, Combat Pilot and later at various times, Lead Pilot for his Squadron, Group and Combat Wing. Major Rosenthal completed an unusually large number of hazardous missions. On 10 September 1944, while over Germany enemy ground fire knocked out two engines and heavily damaged his aircraft. Alone and unescorted, he skillfully maneuvered his battered plane back to friendly territory, where he made a successful crash landing. In the face of determined opposition, Major Rosenthal’s complete disregard for personnel safety, devotion to duty and combat skill have been a constant source of inspiration to all flying with him.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    418th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    100th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    October 10, 1943
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 1 (January 3, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert Rosenthal (ASN: 0-792349), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 418th Bombardment Squadron, 100th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission over Germany, on 10 October 1943. Prior to reaching the objective, one engine of his aircraft was knocked out and other serious damage sustained during vicious assaults by enemy fighters. Thought subjected to constant attack and intense anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Rosenthal continued on to the target and bombed and bombed it successfully. When unable to remain with the formation on leaving the target area, his aircraft became the object of concentrated attacks by enemy planes. Another engine was knocked out, the oxygen system almost completely destroyed, the wing badly damaged and two gunner seriously wounded. Maneuvering his crippled aircraft with great skill, Lieutenant Rosenthal fought his way back to England and made a safe landing. The gallantry, tenacity of purpose and flying skill displayed by Lieutenant Rosenthal on this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    418th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    100th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    February 3, 1945
    Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 53 (May 24, 1945)

    (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 Rosenthal (ASN: 0-792349), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 418th Bombardment Squadron, 100th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 3 February 1945, against enemy targets in the European Theater of Operations. On that date, Major Rosenthal led a mission to bomb Berlin, Germany. Although his bomber was struck with a direct hit and set on fire, he stayed with his airplane attempting to control it long enough for the crew to bail out. When the last man had left the aircraft, Major Rosenthal bailed out at 1,000 feet, moments before it exploded. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Major Rosenthal on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.