321st BG,447th BS, S/Sgt ROBERT S CHAMPLAIN was an Aerial Gunner (waist-window)/Radio Operator in the B 25 Mitchell medium bomber. He and his Crew were shot-down, a direct hit from FLAK and the ship burst into flames and was seen to crash into the ground. 2 chutes were seen. Harry was in the B 25 Mitchell "Dumbo" #42-32498 MACR 3518.

Robert S Champlian;

HQ 321st BG Mission Summary 28 Mar 1944: (Ops Order 282/mission 281) Group Mission # 244: Back to Perugia Railroad Bridge, 19 of our bombers found the flak waiting for them with the result that two of our planes were shot down and every plane in the formation holed. Lt. Jones was seen to make a controlled landing in Lake Trasinieno. Three chutes were seen to open from Lt. Edwards ship—the second to go down. Lt. Jones is from the 448th; Lt. Edwards, 447th. Photos show a scattered pattern of bombs falling east of the bridge with at least one direct hit on the tracks. Edwards, Lyle L., 1Lt, pilot, 447th BS. Planes Lost: 2 – Plane #498, Lt. Edwards, pilot, 447th Squadron hit just after dropping bombs and seen to go down in flames and hit ground. 3 chutes observed, two open.

Entered by Barbi Ennis Connolly, 321st BG Historian /57th Bomb Wing.

Full Name:Robert S Champlain

State Of Residence: Massachusetts

Death:28-Mar-44 Death

Buried at: Plot D Row 4 Grave 37 Sicily-Rome American Cemetery Nettuno, Italy

Memorial Location:Plot D Row 4 Grave 37

Memorial Cemetery:Sicily-Rome American Cemetery

Memorial Country: Nettuno, Italy

Rank:Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces Service Number: 20112771

Regiment: 447th Bomber Squadron, 321st Bomber Group, Medium

Conflict Period:World War II

Awards:Air Medal, Purple Heart

Served For:United States of America