Last Name:   
Neal
Picture
First Name: 
Robert J.
Nickname:  
Bob
Born/Died  
March 14, 1919 - August 11, 1981
Hometown:
Greene, Iowa
Squadron:
First Pursuit Squadron, Adam and Eve
Position: 
Chief Armorer
Victories
 
Decorations:
Bronze Star, Presidential Unit Citation,
Pre AVG: Enlisted in the U. S. Navy following high school graduation in 1936.  Naval Training Station, San Diego.  Served aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga, as an Aviation Ordnanceman.  Bombing Squadron 3, until discharged to join the American Volunteer Group.  On the day Bob went to get his release from the Navy, his long-awaited orders for flight school were on the C.O.'s desk.  Although he had dreamed of being a Navy pilot, he chose to go to China instead, and never regretted his decision.
AVG Service: Sailed from San Francisco on the Jagersfontein.  Served as Chief Armorer in the First Squadron.  Volunteered to remain on duty in China for two extra weeks after AVG disbanded on July 4, 1942.
Post AVG, WWII:
Returned to the U.S. and re-enlisted in the Navy.  Nov. 1942 - May 1944: Escort Scouting Sqdn. 12, Carrier Aircraft Service Unit 6, Escort Scouting Sqdn 25, and Escort Scouting Sqdn 6.  May 1944 - Aug. 1945: NAS, Hutchinson, KS.
Post War Career:
1945 - 1950: NAS Oakland.  1950 - 1956:  HQ Flag Unit Naval Air Advanced Training Command, HQ Alaskan Sea Frontier, Air Development Sqdn Four, Flag Administrative Unit Commander Fleet Air Whidbey.  While serving in Alaska as Aide to Admiral John Perry, Bob helped establish the Kodiak Fish and Wildlife Club, and served as a guide for distinguished visitors. 
Retired from active duty in 1956 and returned to his native Iowa.  Worked for Salsbury Laboratories until his appointment as Postmaster in Marble Rock, Iowa.  Following his second retirement, Bob and his wife Jo owned and operated an athletic equipment manufacturing and distribution company.  Bob was active in civic affairs, and pursued his life-long love of flying as a civilian pilot.