Col. Robert H Neumann, USAF (Ret)

Neumann -- Lt. Col. Robert H. Neumann (USAF Ret.), a resident of Albuquerque since 1959, died Monday, January 25, 1999. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Cherie Neumann of Albuquerque; daughter, C. Lauren Neumann of Las Vegas, NV; brother, John Neumann and wife, Pricilla of Massachusetts; and numerous other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Elsie Neumann; son, Robbie"Colonel" Neumann in 1979; sister, Marion Larson. Mr. Neumann was the Jersey Observer City Marble Champion Shooter in 1931. With a scholarship for basketball and baseball, Bob was known as one of the spark plugs for Seton Hall's basketball team. His major was Physical Education. Lt. Col. Neumann was a member of the 57th Bomb Wing-310th & 321st Groups. He served four years, 11 months in the Army Air Corps. He retired with the rank of Lt. Col. Lt. Col. Neumann flew over 100 missions, 76 of which were combat missions, total number of combat hours 348, total number of flying hours 1200. On August 18th, 1944, he flew the lead bomber plane, of a 36 plane formation, which knocked out the Nazi Battle Ship, Strasbourg, at Toulon Harbor in the Mediterranean Theater. Bob received many decorations and awards among them were the Air Force Cross, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Purple Heart. He was a loving husband and father. He was always able to express his sense of humor. During his working years here in Albuquerque, he was employed with the Operating Engineers as an Oiler. He was a member of 953 A, retiring in 1978. Mass will be celebrated Friday, 11:00 a.m., at Gate of Heaven Chapel, Paseo del Norte and Wyoming, with Fr. Paul Baca, Celebrant. Graveside services will follow the Mass with Chaplain Lemuel Boyles officiating. Full military honors will be provided by the Kirtland Air Force Base Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association, 6733 Academy Rd. NE 87109, in memory of Robbie (Colonel) Neumann or the Animal Humane Assoc., 615 Virginia SE 87108. Friends