Robert Rosenthal was a distinguished pilot in the United States 8th Air Force during World War II. Born on June 11, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York, Rosenthal was a bright student who graduated from Brooklyn Law School. However, his career trajectory changed dramatically with the outbreak of World War II.
Rosenthal enlisted in the Army Air Forces and was assigned to the 100th Bombardment Group, becoming a B-17 bomber pilot. His unit, famously known as "The Bloody Hundredth," was stationed in Thorpe Abbotts, England, and was part of the air campaign against Nazi Germany.
Throughout his service, Rosenthal demonstrated extraordinary bravery and leadership. He flew 52 combat missions, a remarkable number given that the average survival rate for his peers was just 11 missions. His missions included critical operations such as the first daylight raid on Berlin and the D-Day support operations.
Rosenthal's bomber was shot down twice, but he survived both incidents. The most notable was during a mission over Munster, where his aircraft was severely damaged, and several crew members were injured. Despite the dire circumstances, he managed to fly the battered plane back to England, saving his crew and the aircraft.
For his bravery and leadership, Rosenthal was highly decorated, receiving numerous awards including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross with six Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.
After the war, Rosenthal returned to law and served as an assistant prosecutor during the Nuremberg Trials. His post-war career continued to be marked by service and excellence. He worked as a lawyer and eventually retired as a judge.
Robert Rosenthal's wartime experiences and his dedication to justice and service in his post-war life left a lasting legacy. He passed away on April 20, 2007, remembered as a hero of his time and a symbol of courage and resilience.
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