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Robert Purdy

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Robert Purdy describes the intensely political climate during the Great Depression, which had many people embracing leftist ideals. He worked in a tool and die shop preparing for engineering school, and along with his brother Harry, an accomplished writer, began to put those ideals into action. (Interview donated by Margot Smith.) Part 2 of 6. (9:37)

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During a break from his college education, Robert Purdy and his two brothers became increasingly angry about the Nazi aggression in Europe. After Pearl Harbor, all three enlisted in the Air Corps together. He received his wings as a fighter pilot, but losses in the bomber groups required that he move into B-24's. (Interview donated by Margot Smith.) Part 3 of 6. (7:51)

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B-24 co-pilot Robert Purdy says he was scared on every mission he flew over Greece and Italy because every one drew heavy flak and German fighter attacks. During a bombing run over Vicenza, his plane was hit and the crew had to bail out. Captured almost immediately, he was transported into Germany where an uncertain fate awaited. (Interview donated by Margot Smith.) Part 4 of 6. (9:42)

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He was told he would be taken out and shot if he did not reveal information, but captured B-24 co-pilot Robert Purdy would only give his name, rank and serial number. Expecting that fate any minute, he was instead shipped by rail into Germany, where he was interred for the rest of the war. (Interview donated by Margot Smith.) Part 5 of 6. (9:19)

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News of the war filtered into the POW camp where B-24 co-pilot Robert Purdy was interred, and the news that VE Day had come was most welcome. The tunnel digging was abandoned as the war crept closer and closer. Finally, two Russian scouts appeared at the gate. Where were the guards? (Interview donated by Margot Smith.) Part 6 of 6. (11:55)

Robert Ricks

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Robert Ricks could handle a gun ever since he was big enough to hold one, and he was mad about the attack on Pearl Harbor. As soon as they would let him in, he volunteered for WWII and became a gunner on a B-17. (6:42)

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Newly trained B-17 Gunner Robert Ricks was humbled by a train conductor before he even left the States. Arriving in England, he was further humbled when dozens from his unit were killed on takeoff, lost by accident before even facing the enemy. (10:28)

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Robert Ricks’ short stature made him a good fit as a tail gunner because he was comfortable in the cramped turret. A six-footer would have been very uncomfortable. (1:58)

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B-17 gunner Robert Ricks’ first mission was memorable, the first daylight bombing raid on Berlin. Though no planes from his unit were lost, he witnessed a direct hit on a trailing plane and watched in horror as the lone crewmember able to bail out didn’t make it. (11:59)

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Robert Ricks was glad to be in the tail gunner’s position at the rear of the B-17. He did not like being in the ball turret underneath the plane with clear panels all around. (4:16)