ROBERT J. PINKOWSKI, born June 30,1919, South Bend, Indiana, graduated St. Hedwige High School, then served apprenticeship in the Printing Trades. October 16th, 1941 he enlisted in the U.S. ARMY Infantry, trained in basic training at Camp Walters, Texas, after completing basic training, he joined the 105th Infantry, 27th Division at Fort Ord, California.

He left for the Pacific with the Advance Detail February 10,1942, landed at Pearl Harbor, Stationed at Schofield Barracks, volunteered for Ranger Training, after 10 weeks of this training he was called back to his unit and informed he was accepted in Class 44-C as an Aviation Cadet, graduating and commissioned at Luke Field, Arizona.

His first assignment was with the 57th Fighter Group, 66th Fighter Squadron, later transferred to 65th Fighter Squadron. Participating in "Operation Strangle" with the 57th till the German capitulation. He flew 68 Missions Dive Bombing, Strafing, in close support, and destroying bridges and supply routes in the Brenner Pass. He was awarded the Air Medal with 2 Clusters.

Returned to Civilian life November 28, 1945, resumed his life in the printing trades, then became supervisor of Production Control in the Bendix Corp. Aviation Division. Concentrating on Fuel Metering for the Computer Bodies and afterburners, for the F-1ll. Spent 8 years as the office manager for the South Bend Water Works.

Since 1974, he has been a representative for the American Family Life Assurance Co. of Columbus, Ga., and for the last 3 years has served as Regional Manager for this company. He married Rita Janowski in 1943, and has three children, Mary Grace, Charles and Stephen, along with 7 Grandchildren.

Aerospace Defense Command writes an eulogy for the fighter Pilot.- Say what you will about him; arrogant, cocky, boisterous and a fun loving fool to boot - but he has earned his place in the sun

Across the span of 50 years he has given this country some of its proudest moments and most cherished military traditions. But fame is short lived and little the world remembers. Almost forgotten are the 1,400 fighter pilots who stood alone against the might of Hitlers Germany during the dark summer of 1940, and, in the words of Sir Winston Churchill, gave England "its finest hour".

Gone from the hardstands of Duxford are the 51's with their checkerboard noses that terrorized the finest fighter squadrons the Luftwaffe had. Dimly remembered, the 4th Fighter Group that gave Americans some of their proud moments in the skies over Korea.

How fresh in recall are the Air Commandoes who valiantly struck the VC with their aging Skyraiders in the rain - and blood-soaked valley called Shau?

And how long will be remembered the "Thuds" over Route Packed Six and flak filled skies above Hanoi? So here's a nickel on the grass to you, my friend, for your spirit, enthusiasm, sacrifice, and courage - but most of all your friendship.

Yours is a dying breed and when you are gone the world will be a lesser place.

Thanks to the unknown author, from a Fighter Pilot.