P-51 "Flying Dutchman" Double Ace Bob Goebel Print

Captain Bob Goebel flew the P-51D Mustang “Flying Dutchman”, (44-13500), when he was assigned to the 308^th Fighter Squadron, 31^st Fighter Group, 15^th USAAF, in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operation. After completing his flight training in the P-40, he was transferred to Panama and flew the P-39. In March, 1944, he was assigned to the 31^st Fighter Group in San Severo, Italy, and flew 61 combat missions, all in the P-51 Mustang.

He flew his first mission on April 16, 1994, and scored his first victory on May 29, 1944 against a Bf 109. He scored his 11^th and final victory on August 28, 1944, making him a double Ace.

After the war, Mr. Goebel attended the University of Wisconsin, and is the father of nine children. He returned to the United States Air Force in 1950, and stayed in the Air Force until 1966. One of his assignments was working on the Gemini rocket program for NASA as well as the Skylab program. He was awarded the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with 17 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Distinguished Unit Citation.