Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Robert
John
Goebel
February 28, 1923

–

February 19, 2011

Born:

Racine

, 

Wisconsin

Home:

Racine

, 

Wisconsin

Buried: 

Rancho Palos Verdes

, 

California

Cemetery:

Green Hills Memorial Park

During World War II Robert Goebel became a DOUBLE ACE credited with shooting down 11 aircraft in aerial combat. Following the war he served in the Air Force Reserve while completing his college degree at the University of Wisconsin, and then joined the Wisconsin Air National Guard, where he served from 1948 until returning to active duty in the Air Force on May 9, 1950. He retired as a U.S. Air Force Colonel in 1966, and was inducted into the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame in 2003.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    308th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    31st Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 18, 1944
    Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 3536 (September 21, 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 John Goebel (ASN: 0-681645), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as Pilot of a P-51 Mustang Fighter Airplane of the 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in action on 18 August 1944. On that date, Lieutenant Goebel participated as escort to heavy bombers attacking strategic enemy installations in Rumania. Over the target, Lieutenant Goebel observed sixteen (16) enemy aircraft preparing to attack his flight leader. Displaying outstanding aggressiveness and courage, with complete disregard for the overwhelming superiority of enemy aircraft, Lieutenant Goebel immediately engaged the hostile ships, and, in the ensuing engagement destroyed two (2) enemy fighters and forced the rest to withdraw, thus saving the life of his comrade. En route to base, though having serious mechanical difficulties, he again intercepted enemy aircraft and accounted for another enemy fighter destroyed. By his conspicuous gallantry, professional skill and devotion to duty, together with his outstanding combat record of over fifty-five (55) successful missions against the enemy and nine (9) enemy aircraft destroyed in aerial flight, Lieutenant Goebel has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    308th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    31st Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert John Goebel (ASN: 0-681645), 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-51 type aircraft of the 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action 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 Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    308th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    31st Fighter Group

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert John Goebel (ASN: 0-681645), 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-51 type aircraft of the 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Action 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.