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![[Graphic] Inscription on a European chapel.](images/eagbnr2.gif)
In Remembrance of Robert N. Hoskinson
June 15, 2009
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![[Photo] Robert N. and Luna Hoskinson](images/sortie/boblunahoskns.jpg)
Robert N. and Luna Hoskinson (778)
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It is with a heavy heart that I post this news. On Monday, June 15, 2009,
the 464th Bombardment Group lost one of its finest members - Robert N. Hoskinson (778), he
was a Tailgunner in E Burroughs crew.
"Mr. Bob" died in Kentucky a few months after fracturing a spinal vertebrae...he
was 83 years old.
Mr. Bob was my co-webmaster and, though he never coded one of
our web pages, it was primarily due to his hard work and generosity that the 464th
Bomb Group web site has been able to offer so much valuable research information to our
veterans and their families.
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Mr. Bob spent years compiling and contributing information for
the 464th web site - he spent so much time scanning and organizing data - I don't know
what this site would ever have been without him.
It was thanks to Mr. Bob that we were able to offer
our visitors the Missing Air Crew Reports, the Narrative Mission Reports, Tony Schneider's
464th Bomb Group Newsletters, the Group's Pantanella newsletters and other historical data
about our Group and their time in WWII. He contributed not only his expertise, but he spent
many years researching available data to benefit other members of our Group as well as
their families.
Mr. Bob never asked for anything in return...except, perhaps,
not to be argued with! (smile) It's been my experience that he was a reliable and responsible
resource and that he "knew what he knew." He had a warm, wry sense of humor that will be
greatly missed by all of us.
Mr. Bob was my co-webmaster since 2002 - practically
since the day this site was first uploaded to the Internet. He was a fine man, a wonderful
friend and a credit to our Group. He will be sorely missed for a very long time by all who
knew him.
I feel privileged to have been counted among his associates
and friends. I am extremely thankful to have had the opportunity to meet him and his beautiful
family in person for the first and only time at the last 464th Bomb Group reunion. Friends
like Mr. Bob, his lovely wife Luna and his beautiful daughter Bonnie are hard to come by...I
am thankful to be able to be counted their friend.
Mr. Bob, I am so sorry we didn't have another chance to meet
after Tucson. I will miss your quick wit, your insight and your generous spirit so very much. I
wish you clear skies, calm winds and a smooth landing, Mr. Bob. May God be your co-pilot
on this last and greatest adventure.
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Wendy
Mr. Bob's "Last Sortie" page.
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![[Photo] The Black Nan (44-49710 - Stevenovich II) from the collection of John Gottschalk.](images/hit.jpg)
(Photo from the collection of 776th Radar Navigator John Gottschalk)
The Black 'N' (44-49710 - Stevenovich II) on 10 April 1945
over Lugo, Italy. There were ten fatalities and one survivor.
Robert Hoskinson (778) has compiled a pictoral story
of her fate. Download the .pdf file of the Saga of Black N.
Search the 464th Web Site
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![[Graphic] The 464th Bombardment Group banner.](images/flagc.jpg)
![[Graphic] Snapshots from the 464th Bombardment Group.](images/flagd.jpg)