WINGMAN 1945
“Wingman” refers to the pattern in which fighter
planes fly. There is always a lead aircraft and
another which flies off the right wing of and behind the
lead. This second pilot is called the “Wingman”
because he or she primarily protects the lead by
“watching his back.”
HOME
Artwork by Mysticpuma  2010

This is a story of a World War II,  pilot, Lt. Robert C.
Burns of Louisville, Kentucky.  During WW2 he was
stationed in Italy as a member of 325th Fighter Group,
318th Fighter Squadron the famous "Checkertail Clan".

He flew the P-51 Checkertail  Mustang with the ACES of
the 318th Fighter Squadron and was a WINGMAN in
1945.

Many of the men who were in actual combat in World
War II rarely shared their experience with anyone. This
was true of uncle Bob.  He kept most of his war stories to
himself.  Uncle Bob passed away in November of 1996.

As kids we never knew uncle Bob was a soldier in the
war or that he actually piloted an airplane. We found his
papers and medals in the corner of his closet in a box
when we were cleaning out the house for sale after he
passed away.  They sat in the box for years.  One day we
got into them. Wow!  The stories we never knew were
about to unfold.  

On this website we have put together uncle Bob's story
from his Air Corps documents, pictures, and historical
facts.

This website is not only  a tribute to uncle Bob, but also
to the men and women that gave so much of their blood,
sweat, and tears over 65 years ago. They made the world
a safe place. We salute them and honor their service to
the USA.
USAAF     Lt. Robert C Burns
February 1,1921
St. Boniface Catholic Church, Louisville, Ky

.William Francis"Bill" Burns
and
Petronella Elizabeth "Nellie" McWilliams;

Roberts mother and father  were married,
this day. The maid of honor is Rosella her
sister and the best man is Matthew her
brother.
Robert Cletus Burns
Born
April 17, 1922
Louisville, ky
Robert attended St. Cecilia Catholic Grade
School, in Louisville, KY. From 1928 to1936
Robert next attended St. Xavier Catholic High
School, in Louisville, KY. A good student, he
graduated in 1940. This is his graduation picture.
He is 18 years old.
2909 Alford Ave
This is the house the Burns Family lived in.A
brand new house on July 23, 1926. They moved
in on this date.The house was bought by John
McWilliams,Nellie's father. Robert lived most of
his life here. This part of Louisville was know as
Portland.
St. Cecilia Church
and Grade School
shown above.
Click on to enlarge