Last Name:   
Layher
Picture
First Name: 
Robert F.
Nickname:  
Bob
Born/Died  
September 3,1916 / November 17, 2006
Hometown:
Born in Dallas, OR but raised in Otis, CO
Squadron:
Second Squadron, Panda Bears
Position: 
Flight Leader
Victories
2 shared, 3 probable
Decorations:
Army/Navy/Air Force 1st Grade, 2nd Class Medal presented by the Chinese government; Distinguished Flying Cross
Pre AVG: Naval airforce, patrol plane commander VP-12 in San Diego
AVG Service: Sailed in September, 191, and trained in Toungoo, Burma.  Sent to Rangoon on December 28, 1941, and returned to Kunming in late February 1942.  Sent to Karachi, India, to bring planes to China.  Ordered to spend 3 weeks in Assam flying reconnaissance for evacuation of Burma.  Was then sent back to China and flew bombing missions against bridges along the Burma Road.  Sent to Chunking in June 1942, until AVG disbanded.  Spent an extra 2 weeks in Kweilin helping the China Task Force get organized.
Post AVG, WWII:
Rejoined the Navy upon return to New York and flew as a Captain with American Export Airlines in the naval diplomatic run for the duration of the war.  Flew a Sikorsky S-44.  After the war, flew with American Airline on North Atlantic route which was purchased by Pan Am.  Resigned in 1946.
Post War Career:
Returned to Colorado and later to Kansas.  Went into farming and ranching.