| Robert M. Polich, Sr. | |
|---|---|
 Robert Polich, Distinguished Flying Cross Medal recipient | |
| Born | June 7, 1921 |
| Place of birth | Crosby, Minnesota |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army Air Corps |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 365th Bombardment Squadron, 305th Air Mobility Wing |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |
Distinguished Flying Cross Purple Heart Prisoner of War Medal 4 Air Medals |
Robert M. Polich (born June 7, 1921) is a former United States Army Air Corps pilot and a recipient of the United States military's decoration—the Distinguished Flying Cross—for his actions in World War II.
Biography[]
Polich joined the United States Army Air Corps from Crosby, Minnesota, beginning as an enlisted man assigned to the Coastal Artillery in San Diego, California. He later became a pilot and earned his wings in October 1943 as he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt.[1]
Lt. Polich and his crew flew many missions in their B-17 Flying Fortress based at the RAF Chelveston being assigned to the 8th Air Force, 365th Bombardment Squadron, 305th Air Mobility Wing - then called the 305th Bomb Group (Heavy). On the 29th mission - a bombing run on the Leona Oil Works in Germany, Lt. Polich and his crew were shot down, soon finding themselves as prisoners of war. Polich was injured during his jump from the burning plane and was later awarded the Purple Heart Medal. After being captured in Germany, Lt. Polich was first brought to a German hospital, then later confined in Stalag Luft III. Early in 1945 Polich, along with many other prisoners of war were transferred to Stalag VII-A, near Moosburg, Germany. On April 29, 1945 the POW camp was liberated by the 14th Armored Division.[2]
Captain Robert M. Polich, Sr. retired from the Air Force in 1966 after 22 years of service.
References[]
- ↑ Rofidal, K. (2011). "Red Leader On Fire". Minnesota Historical Society. http://people.mnhs.org/mgg/story.cfm?storyid=1203&bhcp=1&bhjs=0. Retrieved 2 December 2011.
- ↑ "World War II Prisoners of War Data File, 12/7/1941 - 11/19/1946". U.S. National Archives. 2011. http://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-detail.jsp?dt=466&mtch=1&cat=GP23&tf=F&q=Polich+Robert&bc=sl,sd/&rpp=10&pg=1&rid=104195. Retrieved 2 December 2011.
External links[]
- 305th Bomb Group Association
- Veteran Tribute - Robert Polich
- Eden Prairie News - Film Festival
- Minnesota Legionnaire Article - November 2008
- Brainerd Daily Dispatch - November 2008
- U.S. Library of Congress
- Minnesota American Legion - Flying at 21 Story
The original article can be found at Robert M. Polich, Sr. and the edit history here.