Robert Everett Bandfield was born on February 3, 1924. He served in the 860th Bomber Squadron, 493rd Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Technical Sergeant and Radio Operator on the B-17 #43-38308 during World War II. He was Killed in Action on September 12, 1944, when his airplane was shot down by flak and crashed at Ottersleben, southwest of Magdeburg, Germany. Five were Killed in Action, and five were taken as prisoners.

The men who were Killed in Action were:
Pilot: Capt Wes Carter
Co-pilot: Ivan Briggs
Radio Operator: Bob Bandfield
Waist gunner: Ernie Musser
Tail gunner: Kasper Simms

The POWs were:
Navigator: Jim Nichols
Bombardier: Henry Francis
Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Len Banther
Ball turret gunner: Matt McAda
Obs-Maj Bob Colligan

TSgt Bandfield's name is listed on the 493rd Bomber Group Honor Roll located in St. Mary the Virgin Church, Clopton, England, but his surname is spelled, Sandfield.

Source of information: www.americanairmuseum.com, b17flyingfortress.de