Navy Federal Credit Union

During World War II, Robert Keen became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 6 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and retired in 1972 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    61st Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    56th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 11, 1944

    Headquarters, 5th Fighter Command, General Orders No. 42 (May 11, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert James Keen (ASN: 0-810513), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over enemy occupied Continental Europe while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which this officer has sought out the enemy and engaged him, timely 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 Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    61st Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    56th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 13, 1944

    Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 43 (July 15, 1944)

    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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert James Keen (ASN: 0-810513), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 13 May 1944, in the European Theater of Operations. On this date Lieutenant Keen alone with his flight of fighter aircraft, unmindful of the overwhelming odds, courageously attacked 30 FW 190’s, which were positioning for a pass at a box of B-17 bombers, and immediately destroyed one. So closely did he press his attack that no sooner had he set his sights on another enemy and fired than the German bailed out. Lieutenant Keen now found himself separated from his flight, yet despite the fact that he was alone, deep in enemy territory and surrounded by hostile planes he disregarded his personal safety and engaged and destroyed two more FW 190’s. So great was his will to destroy the enemy that he refused to disengage from the enemy until his final rounds of ammunition were expended. The skill, aggressiveness and heroism displayed by Lieutenant Keen on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    61st Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    56th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 26, 1944

    Headquarters, 5th Fighter Command, General Orders No. 76 (August 26, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert James Keen (ASN: 0-810513), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over enemy occupied Continental Europe while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which this officer has sought out the enemy and engaged him, timely 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 Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    61st Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    56th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    July 22, 1944

    Headquarters, 5th Fighter Command, General Orders No. 62 (July 22, 1944)

    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 Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert James Keen (ASN: 0-810513), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over enemy occupied Continental Europe while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which this officer has sought out the enemy and engaged him, timely 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.