Survives Explosion of Plane, Nazi Prisons — Is Back Home
OAKLAND—S. Sgt. Robert O. Sparks, 21-year old tail gunner on a Liberator bomber shot down over Germany in December of 1943, is back home and visiting his grandmother, Mrs. J. L. Diemer of Oakland. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. O. Sparks live in Lincoln, Neb.
Sgt. Sparks’ plane was shot down over Osnabruk, Germany Dec. 23, 1943, the bomber exploding in midair after an attack by enemy fighters. Three members of the crew were killed instantly, but Sparks and five others were blown clear of the plane. He fell some distance before he became conscious enough to pull the ripcord of his parachute. A hip wound caused by shell fragment in the attack kept Sgt. Sparks in a prison hospital for several months.
The “fatal” mission was Sparks’ nineteenth over nazi territory. He had previously been a crew member on the Liberator “Boomerang” in an historic raid over Ploesti air field in Romania. Among his decorations are the air medal with two oak leaf clusters, distinguished flying cross, purple heart, unit presidential citation and ETO campaign ribbon.
Following a 60-day furlough with relatives, Sgt. Sparks will report to Miami, Fla., for reassignment.
Source: The Daily Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa - June 21, 1945 (photo included)
