Robert Neudorff B-3 Flight Jacket

Name/Title

Robert Neudorff B-3 Flight Jacket

Entry/Object ID

FlightJacket2022.1

Description

This B-3 Jacket was owned by Staff Sergeant Robert Neudorff originally of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. S/Sgt. Neudorff was born on November 26, 1922 and was raised in the 100 Block of South Prince Street, Lancaster City, Pennsylvania. He was born to Robert and Matlida Neudorff. Robert's father earned his living as a Carpenter and his mother Matilda a Cafeteria Cook. According to records, he moved to Coatesville by 1940. On January 9, 1943, Robert enlisted in the Army Air Corps in Philadelphia and trained as a Tail Gunner. On March 30, 1944, Sgt. Neudorff was sent to Horsham St. Faith, England attached to the 755th Bomb Squadron, 458th Bomb Group of the Mighty 8th Air Force. He was officially given flight status on June 5th, 1944. In October of 1944, Sgt. Neudorff was transferred to the 754th Bomb Squadron where he was attached to the "Joseph French" Crew. Records show he participated in the following missions: Mission No. 89 Date: 7/12/1944- Location: Munich A/C SN: 41-29288 RCL: L Squadron: J3 A/C Name: 36 BIG-TIME OPERATOR Mission No. 128 Date: 10/5/44 Location: Paderborn A/C SN:42-95316 RCL:N Squadron:J3 A/C Name: PRINCESS PAT Aborted due to #1 Engine Oil Pressure Mission No. 132 Date: 10/12/44 Location: Osnabruck A/C SN:42-95316 RCL:N Squadron: J3 A/C Name: Princess Pat Mission No.133 Date: 10/14/44 Location: Cologne A/C SN: 42-95316 RCL: N Squadron: J3 A/C Name: Princess Pat Mission No.135 Date: 10/17/44 Location: Cologne A/C SN: 42-95316 RCL: N Squadron: J3 A/C Name: BREEZY LADY / MARIE / SUPERMAN 11/5/44-Karlsruhe 11/6/44-Minden 11/8/44-Rheine 11/9/44-Metz area 12/4/44-Bebra 12/11/44-Hanua 12/12/44-Hanua 12/18/44-Koblenz 12/25/44-Pronsfeld 12/28/44-St. Wendel Further research (once the archives open back up) will show whether or not Sgt. Neudorff participated in missions between July and October. French’s Crew had flown several “Truckin Missions” to supply Patton's Third Army with fuel in France. French's Crew was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross at some point during their missions. The period photo provided by Darin Scorza of the 458thBG website shows Robert receiving his DFC. Robert left the U.S. Army Air Forces on September 7, 1945. He eventually moved to Florida where he passed September 12, 1998. He is buried at the Florida National Cemetery.

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Name written on leather neck strap

Parts

Count

1

Parts

Jacket

Condition

Overall Condition

Fair

Date Examined

Aug 13, 2022

Notes

Various tears, rips, deterioration

Conservation

Treatment

Treatment Notes

Kept in original shipping box. Kept flat

Notes

Estimate for rehab was $7500

Acquisition

Date

2020

Provenance

Notes

Established from name

Create Date

August 14, 2022

Update Date

February 12, 2024