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Today in History – April 5, 1962 – 1962 Neil Armstrong takes X-15 to 54,600m

Neil Armstrong and the X-15 by Bob van der Linden, Posted on Tue, July 23, 2019, Aeronautics Department, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum “Released from duty in mid-1952, Armstrong returned to Purdue where he earned his degree in aeronautical engineering in 1955. His love of flight and engineering drew him to the National Advisory

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Thorpe, Robert G.

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  • Thorpe, Robert G.

Robert G. Thorpe

Preferred Name: Bob
Date of Birth: July 28, 1931
Highest Military Grade: 0-4 – Major
Hometown: Union Center, WI
Headed West Date: January 22, 2014
Biography
Pilot Information
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Album

Robert Thorpe graduated from Beloit Memorial High School in 1948 and enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 16. He went on to graduate from Pilot Training in 1954. He flew in 575 Combat Missions in Vietnam, retiring as a Major Senior Pilot in 1968.

Bob was a Charter member of the Beloit Land Lords Association and a Charter member and State Commander of the WI Chapter of Veterans of Underage Military Service.

(Source: Walworth County GazetteXtra, January 25, 2014)

Units Assigned

  • 1954-1959 434th Fighter Day Squadron/479th Fighter Day Wing, George, AFB, CA

Awards & Decorations

Flight Info

F-100

575 Combat Missions in Vietnam

Military & Civilian Education

Civilian Education:

  • 1948 Beloit Memorial High School

Robert G. Thorpe, Maj USAF, Ret., Headed West on January 22, 2014.

Robert G. Thorpe, 82, of Clinton, WI, died Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014, in his home. He was born July 28, 1931, in Union Center, WI, the son of George and Gertrude (Voigt) Thorpe. Robert graduated from Beloit Memorial High School in 1948.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 16 and went on to graduate from Pilot Training in 1954. Robert flew in 575 Combat Missions in Vietnam, retiring as a Major Senior Pilot in 1968. Robert was a Charter member of the Beloit Landlords Association and a Charter member and State Commander of the WI Chapter of Veterans of Underage Military Service.

Survivors include his four children: Robert, James, Mary and Laura and two grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and former wife, Pansy French.

Memorials may be given in his name to the Disabled American Veterans or the United Service Organization (U.S.O.)

(Source: Walworth County GazetteXtra, January 25, 2014)

Thorpe, Bob
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