Robert Edward Femoyer (1921 - 1944)

Born 31 Oct 1921 in Huntington, Cabell, West Virginia, United States

Died 2 Nov 1944 at age 23 in England, United Kingdom

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Biography

Robert Femoyer was awarded the Medal of Honor.

2nd Lieutenant Robert Femoyer served in the United States Army Air Forces in World War II
Service started: 4 Feb 1943
Unit(s): 711th Bombardment Squadron, 447th Bombardment Group, Eighth Air Force
Service ended: 2 Nov 1944

Robert was born 30 October 1921 at Huntington, West Virginia. He was son of Edward Peter Femoyer and Mary Elizabeth Kramer.

He passed away at an Air Force Base in England shortly after the B-17 bokmber that he was the navigator for landed following a bombing mission over Merseburg, Germany.

Congressional Medal of Honor Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty near Merseburg, Germany on 2 November 1944. While on a mission, the bomber, of which 2d Lt. Femoyer was a navigator, was struck by three enemy antiaircraft shells. The plane suffered serious damage and 2d Lt. Femoyer was severely wounded in the side and back by shell fragments which penetrated his body. In spite of extreme pain and great loss of blood he refused an offered injection of morphine. He was determined to keep his mental faculties clear in order that he might direct his plane out of danger and so save his comrades. Not being able to arise from the floor, he asked to be propped up in order to enable him to see his charts and instruments. He successfully directed the navigation of his lone bomber for 2 and one half hours so well it avoided enemy flak and returned to the field without further damage. Only when the plane had arrived in the safe area over the English Channel did he feel that he had accomplished his objective; then, and only then, he permitted an injection of a sedative. He died shortly after being moved from the plane. The heroism and self-sacrifice of 2d Lt. Femoyer are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

Find A Grave: Memorial #7135839

Sources

• Highest Award to Heroic Navigator, Daily Press, Newport News, Virginia, 14 May 1945, Mon • Page 10
• MEDAL PRESENTED IN CHURCH, The Miami News, Miami, Florida, 30 May 1945, Wed • Page 32
• Virginia Tech Will Honor War Heroes, The Times Dispatch, Richmond, Virginia, 14 Dec 1949, Wed • Page 8
• American bombers hit Germany, The Times-News, Twin Falls, Idaho, 03 Nov 1994, Thu • Page 4
• Congressional Medal of Honor Society - Robert E. Femoyer
• National Medal of Honor Museum - Robert E. Femoyor
• The Hall of Valor Project - Robert Edward Femoyor
• US Air Force Historical Support Division - Femoyer -- 2nd Lt Robert E Femoyer
• This Day in Aviation - 2 November 1944
• Wikiedia.org - Robert Edward Femoyer
• https://www.vt.edu/about/locations/buildings/war-memorial-chapel-honor.html