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| Captain Randolph Jacobs was a B-17 pilot in 384th Bombardment Group. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/32443731/randolph-g_-jacobs |
Randolph George Edward Jacobs never had a chance to reach 100 years old today. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.
Randolph was born on January 16, 1920 in Indiana. His parents George and Anna were born in Indiana and New Mexico respectively. His father worked as the manager of a music store in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Randolph had one older sister. In 1940, Randolph was living at home with his parents and working in his father’s music store.
He enlisted in the Army National Guard in January 1941 in Fort Wayne. Randolph later entered the Army Aviation Cadet Training Program and was among the first class of cadets to graduate from George Field, Illinois on 13 December 1942. He was assigned as a pilot to the 544th Bombardment Squadron, 384th Bombardment Group of the Eighth Air Force. The 384th BG was activated 1 December 1942 at Gowen Field, Idaho and was equipped with B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bombers. The 384th deployed to England in May 1943 where it was stationed at RAF Grafton Underwood and flew its first combat mission in August 1943.
Over the next year Randolph rose to the rank of Captain and completed his tour of 25 combat missions, with several close calls along the way. On his third combat mission, the 17 August 1943 raid on the ball bearing factories in Schweinfurt, Germany, his B-17 was severely damaged by enemy fighters and flak but he was able to get the crippled aircraft home and made a successful belly landing with no injuries to the crew. On the way to the target on his 15th mission on 30 December 1943 his B-17 experienced a runaway propeller and fire on engine #1, and had to ditch in the English Channel. Even though he could return home after completing 25 missions, he chose to continue flying with his squadron.
On 8 May 1944, Cpt. Jacobs flew as Group lead on his 26th combat mission to bomb German V-weapon launch sites in Sottevast, France. Shortly before reaching the target, his aircraft was hit by enemy flak beneath the cockpit and spiraled out of control and crashed near Valognes, France. Five of the crew were able to bail out, of these four became POWs and one evaded capture. Cpt. Jacobs and four others were killed in action.
His findagrave.com entry indicates he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.
His findagrave.com entry indicates he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Randolph George Edward Jacobs is buried in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
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This profile was written by Bob Fuerst. "I’m a NASA engineer, B-17 Flying Fortress enthusiast, and amateur genealogist so this kind of research is an ideal outlet for me. But more than anything, it’s a way to express my sincere appreciation for The Greatest Generation and the sacrifices that they made, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. They should never be forgotten and I’m grateful to Don for allowing me to play a small part in honoring them."
Last year on this date I profiled Medal of Honor hero Robert Waugh of the 85th Infantry Division. You can read about Robert here.
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Thank you for this excellent tribute to Randolph George Edward Jacobs. In addition to the Distinguished Flying Cross, he was awarded the Air Medal and three oak leaf clusters to the Air Medal.
ReplyDeleteA slight correction to the text, the 384th Bombardment Group (H) flew its first combat mission on 22 June 1943 vice August 1943 as stated.
I also extend my thanks for your excellent article and remembrance of Capt. Jacobs. I also agree with the previous comment that the 384th Bomb Group's first combat mission was on 22 June 1943.
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