Robert A. Wagner

Robert A. Wagner served during World War II in the U.S. Navy from November 15, 1942, until July 21, 1945. His rank was AMM3C (H), Aviation Machinist Mate 3rd Class (Hydraulics).

Mr. Wagner enlisted in November 1942 in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1943, he had his physical in Des Moines, Iowa. On July 1, 1943, He enrolled in the V-12 College Training Program at the University of Wisconsin. In November 1943, he was transferred to Great Lakes as a candidate for the V-5 Pilot Training Program. In December of the same year, he enlisted for the V-5 Program, which was temporarily closed.

That same month, he was sent to Navy Pier, Chicago. In January 1944, he was assigned to Naval Air Station Norman, Oklahoma. He attended gunnery school in Hollywood, Florida, and flight engineering school in La Guardia Airport, New York City.

In the meantime, both of Mr. Wagner's brothers, who were pilots in the U.S. Marine Corps, were killed in action. Mr. Wagner was assigned to the Ninth Naval District, headquartered in Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Illinois. His next assignment was to Ottumwa Naval Air Station, Iowa.

He was sent to the Naval Air Technical Training Center, 87th & Anthony Ave., Chicago, and he returned to Ottumwa as head of Aviation Hydraulic Shop. He continued in that position until he was discharged.

Source: Veterans’ Memorial Hall Veteran History Form

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