Lieutenant General Jay T. Robbins
U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) and U.S. Air Force (USAF)
P-38 Lightning Pilot & Ace
Background
Jay Thorpe Robbins was born September 16, 1919 to parents Jacob Isaiah “Jay” Robbins Jr. and Mary Douglas Thorpe Robbins in Coolidge, Texas. After completing high school, he enrolled at Texas Agriculture and Mining College (Texas A&M) class of 1940 and was enrolled in the Reserve Officers Training Program (ROTC).
Wartime History
On February 13, 1941 Robbins enlisted in the U.S. Army and due to his ROTC service was commissioned as an officer with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Soon afterwards, he became an aviation cadet in the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) and underwent flight training at Randolph Field. On July 3, 1942 he earned his wings at Foster Field in Texas. Assigned to the 20th Fighter Group (20th FG), 55th Fighter Squadron (55th FS) at Morris Field, North Carolina and later Drew Field in Florida where he flew fighter aircraft and was promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
In early September 1942 passenger aboard an
LB-30 Liberator via Hickam Field then across the Pacific to Brisbane and spent the first few days at Eagle Farm Airfield then was billeted in Brisbane. Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 8th Fighter Group (8th FG), 80th Fighter Squadron (80th FS) "Headhunters" a fighter pilot flying P-39 Airacobra and P-400 Airacobra from Port Moresby and Turnbull Field near Milne Bay. One of his tent mates was Lt. Norbert C. Ruff.
On January 17, 1943 took off from Turnbull Field near Milne Bay piloting a P-400 Airacobra on his first combat mission and scrambled to engage a formation of Ki-21 Sallys [sic G4M1 Bettys] after they bombed the Milne Bay area. At 1:10pm Robbins claimed to damage two Ki-21 Sallys [sic Bettys] over Ferguson Island and together with Lt. Gerald Rogers shot down a third Sally [sic Betty] that went down in flames. After landing, Rogers and Robbins reportedly flipped a coin to decide who would be awarded the victory. Rogers won and Robbins lost. This was necessary because the 5th Air Force did not award partial credit to multiple pilots.
On February 6, 1943 the squadron ends their first combat tour in New Guinea and moves to Mareeba Airfield and transitions to the P-38 Lightning. On March 21, 1943 the squadron returns to 3 Mile Drome (Kila) near Port Moresby starting their second combat tour in New Guinea. On May 28, 1943 promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
On July 21, 1943 took off from 3 Mile Drome (Kila) piloting P-38G Lightning 43-2382 on a mission to escort B-25 Mitchells over Bogadjim. Over the target, engaged Japanese fighters including Ki-43 Oscars and Ki-61 Tonys. At noon, he claimed three Zekes [sic Ki-43 Oscars] and one Zeke [sic Ki-43 Oscar] probable. During the combat, P-38 Lightning pilot 2nd Lt. Murtha J. McCarthy was shot down and bailed out. As he descended in his parachute, fellow pilots Robbins and Adams attempted to protect him but several enemy fighters were observed strafing him.
On September 4, 1943 took off from 3 Mile Drome (Kila) piloting P-38H Lightning 42-66820 on a mission over Lae-Salamaua and within a few minutes claimed four Zekes [sic Ki-43 Oscars] his fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh aerial victory claims and became an ace. He also claimed two Zeke [sic Ki-43 Oscar] probables.
On October 24, 1943 took off from 3 Mile Drome (Kila) piloting P-38H Lightning 42-66820 as one of sixteen P-38s from 80th Fighter Squadron escorting B-25s on a low level mission over Rabaul. At 11:30am flying at 11,000' over Kabanga Bay, the P-38s intercepted "Hamps" attacking the B-25s. During the air combat, Robbins claimed four Hamps shot down, his eighth, ninth, tenth and eleventh aerial victory claims. Also a Hamp probable. Returning with damage, he landed at Kiriwina Airfield. After returning safely he was nicknamed "Cock" by his squadron mates in reference to the song and nursery rhyme "Who Killed Cock Robin" as a play on his surname and the fact he returned when some thought he was lost on the mission.
On November 5, 1943 promoted to the rank of Captain.
On December 26, 1943 took off piloting P-38H-5 Lightning on a mission over Cape Gloucester. At 14:45 he claimed two Zekes shot down twelfth and thirteenth victory claims. He also claimed a Zeke as a probable.
On December 27, 1943 Robbins became the Commanding Officer (C.O.) of the 80th Fighter Squadron (80th FS).
On January 22, 1944 he married U.S. Army nurse Lt.
Ina Louise Priest who he met a year earlier in Melbourne when she was working at the 4th General Hospital.
On March 31, 1944 took off piloting P-38J-15 Lightning on a mission over Hollandia. At 10:30am he claimed a Ki-43 Oscar shot down to the southwest of Hollandia, his sixteenth victory claim.
On April 12, 1944 took off piloting P-38J-15 Lightning on a mission over Hollandia. At 11:45am claimed two Ki-61 Tonys shot down his seventeenth and eighteenth victory claims. Also he claimed two Ki-61 Tony damaged.
On May 22, 1944 promoted to the rank of Major.
On June 16, 1944 took off piloting P-38J "Jandina IV" 43-28832 on a mission over Samate and claimed two Zekes, his nineteenth and twentieth aerial victory claims.
On August 17, 1944 took off piloting P-38J-15 Lightning serial number unknown leading Copper Red Flight and the squadron on a mission over Haroekoe. At 2:30pm over the target at 14,000', he spotted a formation of roughly ten Ki-43 Oscars below at 5,000' and released his drop tanks and dove to intercept. The first he targeted made a split-s and got away. A second turned into his pass then away and Robbins opened fire at close range hitting the left wing, engine and cockpit and fell out of control and burning. Robbins claimed a Ki-43 Oscar shot down, his twenty-first aerial victory claim. He fired on a third Oscar and claimed damage before it was shot down by Lt. Kenneth Lloyd at low level.
During September 1944 became deputy commander of the 8th Fighter Group (8th FG).
On November 14, 1944 took off piloting P-38J-20 Lightning on a mission over Negros. At 12:15pm over Alicante and claimed a Ki-43 Oscar shot down his twenty-second aerial victory.
During February 1945 he returned to the United States and became Commanding Officer (C.O.) of the 434th Army Air Forces Base Unit (434th AAFBU) at Santa Rosa Field in California until November 1945.
Assigned Aircraft
Robbins was assigned at least five P-38 Lightnings that he nicknamed "Jandina". The nickname was an abbreviation for his nickname "Jay" and his wife's nickname "Ina" joined together with a phonetic pronunciation of "Juan-Deena". Each aircraft also had the nose art of a Buddha figure with both hands raised upward. Aircraft assigned to Robbins included:
P-38H "Jandina" 42-66820 claimed his first seven aerial victories, ultimate fate unknown likely scrapped
P-38J "Jandina II" 42-67590 ultimate fate unknown likely scrapped
P-38J "Jandina III 42-103988 force landed May 7, 1944 salvaged 1999 and exported to Australia then to USA
P-38J "Jandina IV" 43-28832 ultimate fate unknown likely scrapped
P-80A "Jandina V" 44-85112 ultimate fate unknown likely scrapped
Aerial victory claims
Robbins was officially credited with 22 aerial victories between July 21, 1943 to November 14, 1944. All of his aerial victories were against Japanese fighter aircraft in air combat. Robbins also claimed probables and damaged that were not part of his offical score. In total, Robbins flew 607 hours on 181 combat missions flying P-39/P-400 Airacobra and P-38 Lightning.
Postwar
In late 1945, became the operations officer for the 412th Fighter Group (412th FG) that was later redesignated 1st Fighter Group based at March Field flying the P-80 Shooting Star jet fighter. On September 18, 1947 he became part of the U.S. Air Force (USAF). In June 1947 assigned to Headquarters Tactical Air Command (TAC) at Langley AFB and worked in staff positions in plans and operations. During 1949 assigned to Headquarters 12th Air Force, Brooks Air Force Base, Texas. In 1950 he attended the Air Command and Staff School at Maxwell AFB and graduated in June then returned to the 12th Air Force. On October 19, 1950 promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel.
In August 1950 he was assigned as assistant chief, Tactical Air Operations Branch, Headquarters Continental Air Command, Mitchel AFB in New York. During January 1951, joined the operational staff of the newly established Air Defense Command at Ent AFB in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
On April 15, 1953 promoted to the rank of Colonel. In June 1953 he was assigned to Headquarters USAF in Washington DC and served as plans and programs officer of the War Plans Division, Directorate of Plans, and became a member of the Joint Strategic Plans Group of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and represented the Joint Chiefs of Staff on a special continental defense subcommittee of the National Security Council. Between July 1957 until August 1961 he served as deputy commander and on June 21, 1959 became the commander of the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing (20th TFW) in England until June 26, 1961 and returned to the Untied States.
Robbins attended the National War College at Fort McNair, Washington DC. After graduating in July 1962 he became the Director of Flight Safety at Headquarters US Air Force. On August 1, 1962 promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. In January 1963 he became the Director of Aerospace Safety at Norton Air Force Base, California. On June 1, 1965 promoted to the rank of Major General. During July 1965 he became commander of the 313th Air Division and in March 1967 he was assigned to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii and served duty as the Chief of Staff, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces. In July 1968 he became commander of the 12th Air Force at Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas and in February 1970 he was named vice commander of Tactical Air Command (TAC) at Langley AFB. On March 1, 1970 promoted to the rank of Lt. General.
On September 9, 1972 Lieutenant General George B. Simler was killed when his T-38 Talon crashed on take off from Randolph AFB bound for Scott AFB to become Commander-in-Chief of Military Airlift Command (today Air Mobility Command). Afterwards, Robbins became the interim commander until a replacement was chosen shortly afterwards. On September 1, 1974 Robbins retired retired with the rank of Lieutenant General (LTG) with 33 years of continuous military service. He was a rated command pilot with nearly 5,000 flying hours, mostly in fighter aircraft.
Awards
For his service, he earned the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) with one oak leaf cluster, the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) with one oak leaf cluster, the Silver Star with one oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with six oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
Memorials
Robbins passed away on March 3, 2001 at age 81. He is buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at section 11A site 65.
Relatives
Ina Louise Priest Robbins (wife died 2003)
Ronald J. Robbins (son born 1946 died 2024)
Robert "Robbie" Robbins (son)
"I started going to reunions in 1984 shortly after returning from Korea where pilot in 80th FS. Dad and the old timers started getting together in 1970 at Jackson Hole. Every 2 - 3 years they would meet at various locations around country. M.F. Kirby, Murphy, and Jay got it started. During and after the 1984 reunion there became a big presence of F-16 pilots. I attended all reunions but one until they stopped around 2010. Guy in charge died of heart attack and no one knew for a while. I still keep in touch with some of the F-16 Juvats. I got to meet most of the WWII aces as well as several enlisted maintenance personnel. One of Dad’s crew chiefs would attend often, Sid something. Have name somewhere. Heard lots of great stories through the years."
References
USAF Historical Study No. 85 USAF Credits For The Destruction of Enemy Aircraft, World War II Alphabetical: Robbins Jay T., pages 161 (PDF page 168) Alphabetical, by theater of operation (SWP) Robbins, Chronological List, 80th FTR SQ
Individual Combat Report 1st Lt. Jay T. Robbins Mission No. 225 24 October 1943, 80th Fighter Squadron
Truth "Captain Jay T. Robbins" November 14, 1943 page 9 (photo)
Petoskey News-Review "They're Top Cards in New Guinea Flight Deck" December 29, 1943 page 2 (photo)
The Houston Post "Texans in Fifth Army Decorated" July 26, 1944 page 3
Fort Worth Star-Telegram "Texas in 5th Air Force Get Oak Leaf Clusters" July 26, 1944 page 2
Stars & Bars (1995) pages 25 (80th FS), 525 (Robbins)
The American Fighter Aces Album (1996) page
385
Attack & Conquer (1995) by John Stanaway pages 92 (Robbins assigned to 80th FS), 96 (January 17, 1943), 97 (group photos), 118-120 (July 21, 1943), 123-125 (September 4, 1943) 125 (photo Jandina), 132-133 (October 24, 1943), 136-138 (December 26, 1944), 173 (photo Jandina), 174 (photo Jandina), 189 (photo Jandina III) 181 (March 30, 1944 photo), 183 (March 31, 1944 photo), 185-186 (April 12, 1944), 189 (photo Jandina III force landed), 189-190, 192 (May 7, 1944), 194-195 (June 16, 1944), 198-199 (August 17, 1944), 218 (November 14, 1944), 267 (42-66820 Jandina Robbins, 42-103988 Jandina III Robbins), 259 (commanders), 290 (photo Jandina II), 291 (photos Jandina III), 292 (photo Jandina IV), 320 (index Robbins)
P-38 Lightning Aces of the Pacific and CBI (1997) by John Stanaway pages 27 (October 24, 1943), 35-36 (March 30, 1944), 37 (March 31, 1944), 38-39 (April 12, 1944) 45 (photo), 50 (profile 16 "Betty" [sic Jandina]), 53 (profile 29 Jandina III), 84 (Robbins meeting Bong), 89 (ace 5th AF, Robbins), 93 (profile 16 description "Betty" [sic Jandina]), 94 (profile 29 description)
P-38 Lightning Aces 1942-43 (2014) by John Stanaway pages 38-39 (July 21, 1943), (42 (photos), 46 (October 24, 1943), 55 (profile 16), 91 (aces 5th AF, Robbins), 93 (profile 16 description)
FindAGrave - LTG Jay Thorpe Robbins (obituary, photo, grave photo)
Thanks to Robbie Robbins for additional information
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