Name/Title
Robert Neudorff B-3 Flight JacketEntry/Object ID
FlightJacket2022.1Description
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 strapCondition
Overall Condition
FairDate Examined
Aug 13, 2022Notes
Various tears, rips, deteriorationConservation
Treatment
Treatment Notes
Kept in original shipping box. Kept flatNotes
Estimate for rehab was $7500Provenance
Notes
Established from nameCreate Date
August 14, 2022Update Date
February 12, 2024
