Hite

Robert L. Hite, 0-417960, Lieutenant Colonel

Co-Pilot Crew 16 

Born March 3, 1920, Odell, Texas
Died March 29, 2015 

Graduated from high school in 1937. Completed three years of college and enlisted as an Aviation Cadet on September 9, 1940 at Lubbock, Texas. Commissioned as Second Lieutenant and rated as pilot on May 29, 1941. Was captured after Tokyo Raid and imprisoned by the Japanese for 40 months.  Liberated by American troops on August 20, 1945, he remained on active duty until September 30, 1947. Returned to active duty during Korean War on March 9, 1951 and served overseas before relief from active duty again in November 1955. Decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, and Chinese Breast Order of Pao Ting. 

Inducted into Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, Galveston, Texas