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| Robert Westrom was a radio operator with the 434th Bombardment Squadron in India. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/54880508/robert-henry-westrom https://www.ww2online.org/image/434th-bombardment-squadron-unit-photograph-india-probably-1942-45 |
Robert Henry Westrom never had a chance to reach 100 years old today. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.
He was born on January 2, 1919 in Tacoma, Washington. His parents Seth and Wilhelmina were born in Illinois and New Jersey, respectively. His paternal grandparents were from Sweden and his maternal grandparents were from Germany. His father worked as a logging camp engineer and later as a furniture factory machine man. Still later he worked as a carpenter. Robert had one younger sister.
By 1940 Robert was already serving in the army. He volunteered to serve in the Army Air Forces. He eventually rose to the rank of tech sergeant in the 434th Bombardment Squadron which was equipped with B-25 Mitchell bombers.
The 434th BS was sent to India in March 1944. Sgt. Westrom served as a radio operator / gunner. He completed 65 missions before he was ordered back home.
He lost his life on December 29, 1944 when the plane taking him toward home crashed. Based on records, it was probably a C-46 Commando that crashed in Africa on that date.
His grave is at Mountain View Memorial Park in Lakewood, Washington.
Last year on this date I profiled medic Clarence Seefeldt, 25th Infantry Division. You can read about Clarence here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
God Bless and God Speed, Sir. My Father served with you in the 434th, the last 2 months of your tour in India. You are not forgotten, and are sorely missed.
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