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| USN USS Lexington (CV-16) VT-16 |
Pilot Commander Robert H. Isely, O-073652 C. O. VT-16 (MIA / KIA) Cimarron, KS Gunner ? (MIA / KIA) Radio ? (MIA / KIA) MIA June 13, 1944 Aircraft History Built by General Motors, Eastern Aircraft Division. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as TBM-1C Avenger bureau number 25288. Wartime History Assigned to USS Lexington (CV-16) to Torpedo Squadron 16 (VT-16). No known nickname, nose art or squadron number. Mission History On June 13, 1944 took off from USS Lexington (CV-16) piloted by Commander Robert H. Isely armed with rockets on a strike against Aslito Airfield on Saipan. Over the target, hit by heavy anti-aircraft fire and crashed. When this aircraft failed to return it was officially listed as Missing In Action (MIA). Memorials All three crew members were officially declared dead on June 14, 1945. All are memorialized at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) on the courts of the missing. Isely on court 3. Isely earned the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) with two Gold Stars, Air Medal and Purple Heart, posthumously. After U.S. forces captured Aslito Airfield the airfield was renamed Isely Field in honor of Robert H. Isely. On June 13, 1994, 50 years after his loss, a commemorative plaque was dedicated in honor of Commander Robert H. Isely at Saipan International Airport. References Navy Serial Number Search Results - TBM-1C Avenger 25288 USN Overseas Aircraft Loss List June 1944 - TBM-1C Avenger 25288 NARA Torpedo Squadron 16 (VT-16) War History page 4 (Page 4) "12. On 13 June 1944 during a rocket attack against anti-aircraft positions and servicing facilities on Aslito Airfield Saipan, the plane of Commander Robert H. Isley was hit by heavy anti-aircraft fire and crashed. Commander Isley and his crew paid the supreme sacrifice for their country. Because of the gallant action on the part of Commander Isley and his crew the airdrome at Aslito on Saipan and was renamed Isley Field. After the death of Commander Isley, Lieutenant Norman A. Sterrie assumed command of Torpedo Squadron Sixteen, and he continued in suck command until 23 July 1944." USN Memorial Hall - Robert H. Isely, CDR, USN Class '33 (photo) Hall of Valor Project - Robert H. Isely (Distinguished Flying Cross citation) "DFC: Commander Robert H. Isely (NSN: 0-73652), United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II. DFC Gold Star: Commander Robert H. Isely (NSN: 0-73652), United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II. DFC Second Gold Star: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Robert H. Isely (NSN: 0-73652), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while leading his Torpedo Plane Squadron in four assaults against Palau on 30 - 31 March 1944. Commander Isely skillfully directed the laying of mine fields which completely blocked the main channel to Palau Harbor. His squadron seriously damaged several enemy vessels by rocket and bombing attacks and destroyed six important Japanese ships in the face of severe anti-aircraft fire." American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Robert H. Isely FindAGrave - Cdr Robert Henry Isely (photos, courts of the missing photo) Commander Robert H. Isely (photos) Contribute Information Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned? Do you have photos or additional information to add? Last Updated March 3, 2021 |
 Avenger  MIA 3 Missing |
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