Brig. Gen. Travis perished when B-29 Superfortress #44-87651, fully loaded with bombs (including a Mk-4 atomic bomb), experienced a runaway propeller after takeoff from Suisun-Fairfield Air Force Base, and crashed while attempting an emergency landing. Ten aboard the bomber and seven firefighting/rescue personnel on the ground were killed. The aircraft came to a stop just 150 feet from base housing. It exploded ten minutes later. The aircraft was bound for Guam, where Gen. Travis was to meet with Gen. Douglas MacArthur. The aircraft's commanding officer, Eugene Q. Steffes (memorial #19084863) survived and would go on to an accomplished career. Gen. Travis served with distinction in World War II, commanding the 8th Air Force's 41st Bombardment wing, with 35 missions over Europe. Bio written by Tim Cook
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Brigadier General Robert Falligant Travis (ASN: 0-17187), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 41st Bombardment Wing, EIGHTH Air Force, while directing bombing missions from 31 August 1943 through 21 September 1944. In operations over Germany, Denmark, France, and Czechoslovakia, with and without fighter support, General Travis distinguished himself by personally choosing to lead bombardment elements on combat missions in which it was known that heavy and extremely hazardous opposition would be met. In the face of fierce attacks by enemy airplanes which often completely overwhelmed fighter support, and very often under unusually adverse weather conditions which caused other elements to abort, this officer has exhibited great courage, coolness, and determination in carrying out operations as planned. On twenty-three missions he occupied the position of Air Commander of the 1st Bombardment Division and as such he was responsible for the efforts of hundreds of B-17 aircraft. Six times he has commanded Combat Bombardment Wing formations with great skill. During this period he has been wounded in action and the airplanes in which he has flown have repeatedly received battle damage as a result of enemy attacks. The extraordinary heroism displayed by General Travis in sustained operations has been, in large measure, responsible for the infliction of severe damage on enemy installations throughout Continental Europe. His gallant leadership, personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Brigadier General Travis on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces. Contributor: BarryC (47806468)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Brigadier General Robert Falligant Travis (ASN: 0-17187), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 41st Bombardment Wing, EIGHTH Air Force, while directing bombing missions from 31 August 1943 through 21 September 1944. In operations over Germany, Denmark, France, and Czechoslovakia, with and without fighter support, General Travis distinguished himself by personally choosing to lead bombardment elements on combat missions in which it was known that heavy and extremely hazardous opposition would be met. In the face of fierce attacks by enemy airplanes which often completely overwhelmed fighter support, and very often under unusually adverse weather conditions which caused other elements to abort, this officer has exhibited great courage, coolness, and determination in carrying out operations as planned. On twenty-three missions he occupied the position of Air Commander of the 1st Bombardment Division and as such he was responsible for the efforts of hundreds of B-17 aircraft. Six times he has commanded Combat Bombardment Wing formations with great skill. During this period he has been wounded in action and the airplanes in which he has flown have repeatedly received battle damage as a result of enemy attacks. The extraordinary heroism displayed by General Travis in sustained operations has been, in large measure, responsible for the infliction of severe damage on enemy installations throughout Continental Europe. His gallant leadership, personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Brigadier General Travis on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces. Contributor: BarryC (47806468)
Brig. Gen. Travis perished when B-29 Superfortress #44-87651, fully loaded with bombs (including a Mk-4 atomic bomb), experienced a runaway propeller after takeoff from Suisun-Fairfield Air Force Base, and crashed while attempting an emergency landing. Ten aboard the bomber and seven firefighting/rescue personnel on the ground were killed. The aircraft came to a stop just 150 feet from base housing. It exploded ten minutes later. The aircraft was bound for Guam, where Gen. Travis was to meet with Gen. Douglas MacArthur. The aircraft's commanding officer, Eugene Q. Steffes (memorial #19084863) survived and would go on to an accomplished career. Gen. Travis served with distinction in World War II, commanding the 8th Air Force's 41st Bombardment wing, with 35 missions over Europe. Bio written by Tim Cook
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Brigadier General Robert Falligant Travis (ASN: 0-17187), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 41st Bombardment Wing, EIGHTH Air Force, while directing bombing missions from 31 August 1943 through 21 September 1944. In operations over Germany, Denmark, France, and Czechoslovakia, with and without fighter support, General Travis distinguished himself by personally choosing to lead bombardment elements on combat missions in which it was known that heavy and extremely hazardous opposition would be met. In the face of fierce attacks by enemy airplanes which often completely overwhelmed fighter support, and very often under unusually adverse weather conditions which caused other elements to abort, this officer has exhibited great courage, coolness, and determination in carrying out operations as planned. On twenty-three missions he occupied the position of Air Commander of the 1st Bombardment Division and as such he was responsible for the efforts of hundreds of B-17 aircraft. Six times he has commanded Combat Bombardment Wing formations with great skill. During this period he has been wounded in action and the airplanes in which he has flown have repeatedly received battle damage as a result of enemy attacks. The extraordinary heroism displayed by General Travis in sustained operations has been, in large measure, responsible for the infliction of severe damage on enemy installations throughout Continental Europe. His gallant leadership, personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Brigadier General Travis on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces. Contributor: BarryC (47806468)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Brigadier General Robert Falligant Travis (ASN: 0-17187), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 41st Bombardment Wing, EIGHTH Air Force, while directing bombing missions from 31 August 1943 through 21 September 1944. In operations over Germany, Denmark, France, and Czechoslovakia, with and without fighter support, General Travis distinguished himself by personally choosing to lead bombardment elements on combat missions in which it was known that heavy and extremely hazardous opposition would be met. In the face of fierce attacks by enemy airplanes which often completely overwhelmed fighter support, and very often under unusually adverse weather conditions which caused other elements to abort, this officer has exhibited great courage, coolness, and determination in carrying out operations as planned. On twenty-three missions he occupied the position of Air Commander of the 1st Bombardment Division and as such he was responsible for the efforts of hundreds of B-17 aircraft. Six times he has commanded Combat Bombardment Wing formations with great skill. During this period he has been wounded in action and the airplanes in which he has flown have repeatedly received battle damage as a result of enemy attacks. The extraordinary heroism displayed by General Travis in sustained operations has been, in large measure, responsible for the infliction of severe damage on enemy installations throughout Continental Europe. His gallant leadership, personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Brigadier General Travis on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces. Contributor: BarryC (47806468)
