Robert A. Elder
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Robert Alexander Elder | |
|---|---|
 Colonel Robert A. Elder | |
| Born | July 10, 1918 Joiner, Arkansas, US |
| Died | November 26, 1994 (aged 76) Mississippi, US |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Army Air Corps United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1940–1960 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles / wars | World War II |
| Awards | Silver Star Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal (5) |
Robert Alexander Elder (July 10, 1918 – November 26, 1994) was a United States Air Force colonel. During World War II, he became a flying ace credited with five aerial victories, all of which occurred on the same date.
Robert A. Elder was born on July 10, 1918, in Joiner, Arkansas. In 1940, upon graduating with a degree in physics from Southwestern Presbyterian University, Elder enlisted into the United States Army Air Corps in Memphis, Tennessee. Elder joined the Aviation Cadet Training Program, earning his flying wings and a commission to second lieutenant in April 1941.[1]
World War II
In February 1945, Major Elder was assigned to the 350th Fighter Squadron, 353rd Fighter Group, Eight Air Force, based in RAF Raydon in Suffolk, England. The squadron operated P-51 Mustangs.[1]
Ace in a day
On March 24, 1945, Major Elder's squadron was on a patrol near Kassel, Germany, when they encountered 15 Messerschmitt Bf 109s flying top cover for 15 Focke-Wulf Fw 190s. Elder and his wingman both maneuvered behind a pair of Bf 109s, each man shooting a plane down and claiming a victory. Elder then dove down on the Fw190s, knocking a second plane out of the sky just 800 off the ground. He observed the canopy come off the Fw190 as the pilot was attempting to bail out right before it crashed and exploded.[2]
Major Elder then got on the tail of another Fw190. The enemy pilot made several violent maneuvers before diving straight into the ground while attempting to get away from Elder. Elder then dove on a fourth plane which was flying right above the ground. Elder put a short burst of fire into the Fw190, immediately causing it to crash and explode.[2]
By this time, Elder was being chased by several Fw190s, and he called for help over the radio. Lieutenant Colonel Wayne K. Blickenstaff came to Elder's aid and got the Germans off of his tail. Elder was then able to engage and shoot down another Fw190 with his last 50 rounds of ammunition. While he was doing this, Lieutenant Colonel Blickenstaff shot down a plane that was behind Elder.[2]
Major Elder was credited with shooting down one Bf 109 and four Fw 190s in 30 minutes, making him an ace in a day. For his actions that day, Elder was awarded the Silver Star in June.[3] Wayne Blickenstaff also shot down five enemy planes in the same action, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.[4][5] The squadron shot down 29 of the German planes, while losing five of their own.[2]
Later war service
Lieutenant Colonel Elder was made the commanding officer of the 353rd Fighter Group in September 1945. Elder and the squadron returned to the United States in October. Elder finished the war with five aerial victories and destroyed two planes on the ground by strafing them.[1]
