Robert B. Tresville facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Captain
Robert B. Tresville Jr
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| Birth name | Robert B. Tresville Jr |
| Born | May 9, 1921 Galveston, Texas |
| Died | June 24, 1944 (aged 23) Mediterranean Sea, off Fascist Italy |
| Buried |
Tablets of the Missing at the Sicily–Rome American Cemetery and Memorial in Italy
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Force |
| Years of service | 1942–1944 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 332nd Fighter Group |
| Awards | Air Medal Purple Heart Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Tuskegee Airmen |
| Alma mater | Lafayette College |
| Spouse(s) | Vivien Louise (nee Murphy) |
| Relations | One daughter |
Robert B. Tresville Jr. (born May 9, 1921 – died June 24, 1944) was a brave African American pilot. He was part of the famous Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. These pilots were part of the 332nd Fighter Group in the United States Army Air Forces. Robert Tresville was special because he was only the seventh African American to finish training at West Point, a top military academy. He became a leader, commanding the 100th Fighter Squadron. Many thought he was one of the best leaders in his group. Sadly, his plane disappeared over the Mediterranean Sea in June 1944 during a mission.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Robert Tresville was born on May 9, 1921, in Galveston, Texas. His parents were Robert Bernard Tresville and Irma Eloise Jones. His family later moved to Fort Huachuca in Arizona. His father was a band leader for the 9th Cavalry Regiment.
Robert's middle name was changed from Leslie to Bernard. This made him Robert Bernard Tresville Jr. His father later became the director of the 24th Infantry Regiment band. Robert had two younger siblings, but one sister died young.
In 1938, Robert graduated from high school with excellent grades. He then started college at Pennsylvania State College. After his first year, a Congressman named Arthur Mitchell helped him get into West Point. In 1943, Captain Robert Bernard Tresville Jr. married Vivien Louise Murphy. They had a daughter who was born after his death.
Serving in World War II
While at West Point, Tresville applied to become a pilot. He was sent to Tuskegee Army Air Field for training. There, he learned to fly single-engine planes. He finished his pilot training on December 13, 1942. After that, he returned to West Point and became a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
In December 1943, Tresville was chosen to be the Commanding Officer of the 100th Fighter Squadron. He took over from Lieutenant Elwood Driver. His squadron was part of the 332nd Fighter Group. They were sent to Europe and arrived in Italy on January 29, 1944.
Final Mission and Legacy
On June 24, 1944, Tresville led a mission over the Mediterranean Sea. Their goal was to attack enemy supply lines near Airasca, Italy. The group was told to fly very low to avoid enemy radar. As they neared their target, Tresville's plane went off course and crashed into the water.
Lieutenant Woodrow Crockett took command after Tresville's plane went down. He led the rest of the group safely back to Ramitelli Air Field in Italy. Robert Tresville is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Sicily–Rome American Cemetery and Memorial in Italy.
Before his death, Tresville had completed 23 missions. He was known for his strong leadership and courage. His fellow pilots greatly respected and admired him.
Awards and Honors
- Air Medal
- Purple Heart
- Congressional Gold Medal (awarded to the Tuskegee Airmen in 2006)
See also
- Dogfights (TV series)
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
- The Tuskegee Airmen (movie)
