Schweinfurt-Regensburg KIA - 17 August 1943

[GIKyle]

Seventy-nine years ago S/Sgt Robert McLain of Anderson, Indiana was shot down flying his tenth mission as the tail gunner in B-17 "Settin' Bull" with the 366th Bomb Squadron, 305th Bomb Group on the infamous Schweinfurt-Regensburg Raid.  McLain's ship made it to the target but was hit by flak shortly thereafter.  The lurking Luftwaffe finished them off.  Settin' Bull crashed near Wegnes.  According to Martin Middlebrooks, it was the thirty-first plane shot down during the raid.  

Eight of the ten crew made it out of the plane; McLain and the ball turret gunner being the exception.  Initially reported MIA, McLain's parents received confirmation of his death on 20 September 1943.  McLain's brother, James, was going through Air Cadets at the time and received the below letter from his brother dated 16 August 1943.  It's impossible to know whether Robert was already alerted for the next day's mission or what he knew about the target, but the foreboding note about what to do if he was to be declared MIA is worth noting.

[GIKyle]

McLain's parents received both his posthumous Air Medal and Purple Heart in a ceremony at Indianapolis' Butler University on 21 November 1943. The newspaper's photographer captured McLain's father with his son's Air Medal pinned to his chest.  Robert's Medals still rest in their boxes inside their cardboard boxes.  The cases are virtually mint - likely being tucked away for decades untouched.  The medals are photographed below with some of the personal effects sent back.  The only exception is the 305th BG patch borrowed from another group for display.  The effects are all documented in his IDPF.
 

[GIKyle]

One of the most poignant effects is his wallet still containing some items he carried.  Notably receipts and orders for his bicycle and a small grouping of girlfriends (Hello, Bobbi, Virginia, Eleanor, and Juanita!) 
 

[GIKyle]

The group comes with many letters.  This small group details the impact his death likely had on family and friends. 
 

[GIKyle]

Following the crew's release from internment, a couple wrote McLain's parents and offered information.  The below is from the RW gunner.  The navigator posted a narrative online in 2004.
 

[GIKyle]

Thanks for looking through the thread and remembering one of many who sacrificed themselves on that terrible day. 
 

[manayunkman]

Poignant group very similar to the one I have.

[Allan H.]

This was a rather amazing and poignant group. I believe that you are honoring SSG McClain very well. Congrats on finding the photo of this fallen hero.

 

Allan

[warguy]

This is a beautiful group, thank you for sharing……and THANK YOU for keeping his memory alive. Reading the letter to his brother truly brings this all home. He was in perhaps one of the most dangerous assignments in the entire war, with a 73% casualty rate in the 8th AAF during this time period. So sad so many young men were lost. Thanks again for preserving his memory. 

[BigJohn#3RD]

Kyle,

Thank you for keeping the life and service of a brave young man who died fighting to liberate the world from oppression. Rest in Peace, SSG McLain.

John

 

 

[shortsix]

Very nice group.  I realize you already have loads of his information but thought you might want this article since it includes a very nice pic. 

 

The Indianapolis News - Sept. 1943 -

[KASTAUFFER]

Very nice Kyle! 

[cagedfalcon]

Fantastic grouping, thanks for sharing. 

[phantomfixer]

incredible group, the first hand account must have been painful to write, and extremely painful to read...sad

[CAC1901]

Fantastic group, thanks for sharing it. 

[scottplen]

great group 

[GIKyle]

Thanks for the kind words, all.  @shortsix much appreciate the newspaper clipping; that one had not come up in my newspapers.com search.

 

Kyle

[AZPhil]

An Amazing grouping. Thank you for sharing it and also being he caretaker.

 

Every Schweinfurt mission had major losses.

 My Uncle (B-17 Tailgunner)was shot down on the April 13th 1944 Schweinfurt mission.

 It was a largest loss of Aircraft/Airmen for the 384th Bomb Group during WW2.

 

Semper Fi

Phil 

 

 

[GIKyle]

FIve days late for an anniversary bump.  Blue Skies, Bob! 

[katieony]

Thank you for keeping his memory alive.