Battles/wars World War II Name Robert Polich, | Battles and wars World War II Rank Captain | |
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Allegiance United States of America Awards Distinguished Flying Cross
Purple Heart
Prisoner of War Medal
4 Air Medals Died September 30, 2015, Crosby, Minnesota, United States Service/branch United States Army Air Corps Unit 365th Bombardment Squadron, 305th Air Mobility Wing | ||
Red Leader on Fire
Robert M. Polich (June 7, 1921 – September 30, 2015) was a United States Army Air Corps pilot and a recipient of the United States military's decoration—the Distinguished Flying Cross—for his actions in World War II.
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Biography
Polich joined the United States Army Air Corps from Crosby, Minnesota, beginning as an enlisted man assigned to the Coastal Artillery in San Diego, California. He later became a pilot and earned his wings in October 1943 as he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt.
Lt. Polich and his crew flew many missions in their B-17 Flying Fortress based at the RAF Chelveston being assigned to the 8th Air Force, 365th Bombardment Squadron, 305th Air Mobility Wing - then called the 305th Bomb Group (Heavy). On the 29th mission - a bombing run on the Leona Oil Works in Germany, Lt. Polich and his crew were shot down, soon finding themselves as prisoners of war. Polich was injured during his jump from the burning plane and was later awarded the Purple Heart Medal. After being captured in Germany, Lt. Polich was first brought to a German hospital, then later confined in Stalag Luft III. Early in 1945 Polich, along with many other prisoners of war were transferred to Stalag VII-A, near Moosburg, Germany. On April 29, 1945 the POW camp was liberated by the 14th Armored Division.
Captain Robert M. Polich, Sr. retired from the Air Force in 1966 after 22 years of service. He died on September 30, 2015 at the age of 94.