2nd Lt Robert R. Wilson
U.S. Army Air Force, 19th Bombardment Group, 30th Bombardment Squadron
Co-Pilot B-17F Flying Fortress 41-24427 Missing In Action (MIA) September 15, 1942

Background
Robert Royden Wilson was born September 16, 1918 to parents Roy Wilson and Carol Imgrund Wilson in Newark, New Jersey. He grew up at 53 Forest Avenue in Verona, New Jersey. He graduated high school where he was a member of the student council, orchestra and band. He then enrolled in the University of Virginia as a student. During 1940, he resided at Theta Tau House (Pi Chapter of Theta Tau University of Virginia). On October 16, 1940 he registered for the U.S. draft. He was employed as an attendant and was single.

Wartime History
On April 28, 1941 enlisted in U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAC) as an aviation cadet with serial number 12028822. On June 20, 1941 became part of the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF). After flight school he earned his wings and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant with serial number O-430646. Assigned to the 19th Bombardment Group (19th BG), 30th Bombardment Squadron (30th BS) as a co-pilot aboard B-17 Flying Fortress bombers.

On January 19, 1942 took off from MacDill Field as co-pilot aboard B-17E Flying Fortress 41-2449 piloted by 1st Lt. Harold C. Smelser on a ferry flight via the "Africa Route" bound for the Netherlands East Indies (NEI). The crew included pilot 1st Lt. Harold C. Smelser, co-pilot 2nd Lt. Robert R. Wilson, navigator 2nd Lt. Moore, bombardier 2nd Lt, Wheeler, engineer Sgt Taylor, radio Cpl Thomas L. Cotner and assistant radio Pvt Greeg. On February 9, 1942 after a Japanese air raid lands at Singosari Airfield on Java and participates in the Java Campaign until evacuated to Australia. Next, operates from Cloncurry Airfield, Longreach Airfield and Mareeba Airfield in Queensland staging via 7 Mile Drome (Jackson) near Port Moresby in New Guinea for bombing missions.

On August 12, 1942 Wilson flew aboard a B-17 on a bombing mission against Japanese shipping in Simpson Harbor off Rabaul. The formation of eight B-17s was attacked by Zero fighters before, during and after the bomb run. Gunners aboard the B-17s claimed three shot down and claimed to sink or badly damage four ships. For his actions on the mission, Wilson earned the Silver Star, bestowed by General George C. Kenney.

Mission History
On September 15, 1942 at 5:30pm took off as co-pilot aboard B-17F Flying Fortress 41-24427 on a night mission against Rabaul. After take off, no further contact was made with this bomber. On September 16, 1942 at 1:30am, when this B-17 failed to return, it was officially listed as Missing In Action (MIA).

Memorials
Wilson was was officially declared dead on January 7, 1946. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), Silver Star and Purple Heart, posthumously. He is memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing.

A street in Verona, New Jersey was named in honor of Wilson.

Relatives
Bob Imgrund (nephew of Wilson)

References
NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Robert R. Wilson
Newark Evening News "Robert R. Wilson" October 16, 1942
American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) - Robert R. Wilson
FindAGrave - 1Lt Robert Royden Wilson (tablets of the missing photo)
Verona Heroes - Lt. Robert R. Wilson (photos)
DPAA Personnel File - Robert R. Wilson
The Jersey Journal "Verona Flier Missing in Pacific" Septemeber 28, 1942 page 12
Verona-Cedar Grove Times "Plane, pilot missing in action" October 27, 2005 page A9
MyVeronaNJ Local News Now "Missing WWII Soldier Found?" May 24, 2025
Thanks to Bob Imgrund and Meredith Larsen for additional information

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