Staff Sergeant Robert Paul Valentik (#31142791) was born 25 August 1921 to Paul and Elizabeth Valentik in South Norwalk, Connecticut. His father immigrated from Hungary. He has 1 sister. He enlisted 3 July 1942 in Hartford, Connecticut.

After enlisting in the Army Air Corps, he eventually ended up as part of 418th Bomb Squadron, 100th Bomber Group, Heavy stationed at Thorpe Abbotts Field. This crew is credited with flying at least 15 missions. On 4 February 1944, Flying B-17G #42-37975, they were on a mission to the steel works factories near Frankfurt, Germany. About 25 single engine enemy aircraft intercepted the formation near Liege on route from the target. It was noted that the aircraft was smoking but under control. However, it crashed into the sea off the Dutch coast in the vicinity of Walcheron Island. All 10 crew members were killed.

He is commemorated on the Wall of the Missing at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in Margraten, Netherlands.

The crew:

1ST LT WILLIAM E. GREEN Pilot

2ND LT JACK P. JENSEN Copilot

2ND LT JOHN J. JOYCE Navigator

2ND LT JOHN S. HAMILITON Bombardier

S/SGT ROBERT W. VALENTIK Radio Operator/Gunner

S/SGT ROMAN B. BERAN Top Turret Gunner/Engineer

S/SGT RICHARD K. ANDEREGG Ball Turret Gunner

S/SGT SANFORD TISDALE Waist Gunner

S/SGT HARRY J. WASKEWICZ Waist Gunner

S/SGT LEROY R. LEIST Tail Gunner

Source: https://www.100thbg.com/index.php?option=com_bombgrp&view=personnel&Itemid=334&id=5283

Robert P Valentik