Robert Morris Varty was born on June 22, 1910, in Sycamore, DeKalb County, Illinois. He was the son of Earl Willard Varty and Lotta Morris Varty. He graduated from Harvard Military Academy, the University of Illinois, and Northern Illinois State Teachers College. He served in the 700th Bomber Squadron, 445th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Staff Sergeant and Radio Operator of the B-24 #4129306 'K for King' during World War II.

On April 22, 1944, the aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire during a bombing mission over Hamm, Germany. It sustained damage from German anti-aircraft fire (flak) and possibly fighters, ultimately crashing near Spiere-Helkijn during its return flight. Several crew members were killed, and others were captured or evaded.

SSgt Varty and three others evaded capture with the help of the Belgian and French resistance. On May 14, they were betrayed and arrested. While held in Arras, France, Varty was taken for interrogation on May 17 and never returned. It was later confirmed he had been executed by the Germans. He is now buried in the Elmwood Cemetery, Sycamore, DeKalb County, Illinois, USA.

Source of information: www.tracesofwar.com, airforce.togetherweserved.com