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An Advanced Ninth Air Force
Tactical Reconnaissance Base, Germany:
Recently promoted to the rank of captain, Robert L. Fuiten,
P-51 Mustang “tac recce” pilot from Forest Grove, ore, has been
awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in recognition of his
“extraordinary achievement in aerial flight against the enemy.”
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On November 28, 1944, Captain
Fuiten conducted an artillery adjustment mission and as the citation
reads, “The objective consisted of four communications targets in an
area covered by enemy anti-aircraft fire which seriously threatened
the success of the mission.
Disregarding the imminent danger, Lt. (now Capt.) Fuiten calmly
adjusted the artillery range until the enemy batteries were destroyed.
His brilliant performance in the face of heavy enemy fire
reflects great distinction upon himself and the Army Air Forces.”
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Captain Fuiten, 25, who
already holds the Air Medal and 14 oak-leaf clusters for “meritorious”
flying, has also flown many mission to spot Nazi installations and
movements.
The pictorial or visual information which he brings back is
vital in planning Ninth air Force bomber and fighter-bomber attacks
and in providing the ground forces with a preview of potential German
resistance.
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A graduate of New Richmond
High School, New Richmond, Wisconsin, he was employed with O.O.
Harris, Forest Grove, Ore., when he entered the army in January 1942.
Trained first as an aerial gunner, hew was appointed an
aviation cadet and won his wings and commission in August, 1943.
Overseas since April 1944, he is a member of Colonel James M.
Smelley’s 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Group, the first
flying outfit to have operated from headquarters in Germany.
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