Robert T. Rice.
Bombardier · 330th Squadron · Of Newton, MA.
The man.
Served with 330th Bomb Sqdn., 93rd Bomb Group. His 11th mission was D-Day, June 6, 1944; completed 33 missions on July 24, 1944. After the war, was recalled (1948) back to 330th Bomb Sqdn., 93rd Bomb Group.
Service record.
Missions flown.
Before and after.
Born Jan. 30, 1919 at Newton, MA. Drafted Feb. 5, 1942 into U.S. Army with basic training in 4th Armored Division at Pine Camp, NY. Accepted into Aviation Cadets May 1942. Completed aerial gunnery June 1943; commissioned as bombardier at Midland AAF, October 1943. Joined 330th Bomb Sqdn., 93rd Bomb Group April 1944 with pilot Jack Jennings.
Relieved from active duty June 1945; received Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. Recalled from reserves January 1948 to 330th Bomb Sqdn., 93rd Bomb Group; flew B-29s at Castle AFB on Dick Butler's "A" Bomb crew. Earned Aircraft Observer Wings at Mather AFB (1952). Completed 13 B-29 missions with 28th Bomb Sqdn., 19th Bomb Group during Korean War. Assigned Air University, Maxwell AFB, June 1955; received USAF Commendation Medal. Retired from active duty August 1964 as major. Retired from AESCO Steel, Inc., Montgomery, AL in August 1982. Married Janet Guilford (high school sweetheart) on Dec. 20, 1941. Three children, eight grandchildren, one great-grandson.