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Robert BB Black

First Name: 
Robert "BB"
Middle Name: 
Bruce
Last Name: 
Black
Date of Birth: 
5/5/1924
Birthplace: 
Maiden, NC

Death Details/Burial/Memorial Services: Bruce was honorable discharged on 3/11/1944. He later accepted a commission and was promoted to First Lieutenant on 7/1/1945, just 4 days from his final flight. He was reported missing after a strafing mission on the coast of southeast China. Flying at a low altitude, his wing struck a ship mast, and the P-51 fell and exploded on a dock. His memorial marker is at Punchbowl National Cemetery in Honolulu, HI.

Age at Death: 21

Image Source: Eric Sanburg

Personal Details

Education Details: 
Davidson College, entered 9/1942, Pittsburgh University, Lees-McRae College, graduated 6/1/1942
Biographical Notes: 
Red Cross member, 1944
Family Details: 

Gladys Burnside Mr. & Mrs. August C. and Elizabeth Cleo Whitener Black - Maiden, NC Clara Ruth Black Little, Ensign Mary Hilda Black, Navy Nurse - Maiden, NC Mr. and Mrs. I. L. Burnside of Chester, SC - in-laws

Military Details

Military Rank: 
1st Lieutenant
Military Unit: 
14th Air Force Pilot of Air Fortress 26th Fighter Squadron 51st Fighter Group
KIA Date: 
7/5/1945
MIA Date: 
NA
KIA / MIA Place: 
China
Military Details: 
China (last assignment 1944-5), India, Maxwell Field, Montgomery, AL, US Army 403 Tech School Squadron, #4, Miami, FL, Napier Field, Dothan, AL; discharged on 3/11/1944, Nashville Army Air Center, Nashville, TN, 60th College Training Detachment Air Crew, U. of Pittsburgh, Camden, SC, Elgin Field at Valparaiso, FL, Pinellas Army air Field, St. Petersburg, FL, Africa (rest stop), 8/1944
Awards: 
Purple Heart, Wings - 3/19/1944
Source: 

Davidson College Bulletin and annuals, death index; Eric Sanburg

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