321stBG,448thBS, Capt Robert Brown, KIA

2 Dec. 1943
HQ 321st BG War Diary: The first mission of the month was flown today, our planes
taking off to bomb the road bridge northwest Chieti about 25 miles north of the front
lines. The formation was scattered due to the lead ship being hit by flak just before the
target. The east approach was believed to have been hit. Two of our planes failed to
return from this mission; both were shot down by flak at the target. Major Bates was
pilot of the lead ship which was shot down and Lt. Clark was his co-pilot with Captain
Brown, group bombardier, as bombardier. The loss of these men is deeply felt
throughout the Group. It will be difficult to replace them. A second mission was flown
today against the road bridge at Chieti with better results. The east approach was hit and
direct hits were made on the road to the west of the bridge. Numerous near misses were
made on the bridge itself.
Bates, James P., Maj, pilot, Commander, 448th BS
Brown, Robert H., Capt, bombardier

Brown, Robert Hawthorne, CPT