Legacy Corps- Colonel A. Robert Fortney , US Air Force Retired

UNITED STATES

08.16.2016

Story by Airman 1st Class Kristin Cerri 

509th Bomb Wing

On 14 June 1917, at Camp Kelly, Texas, the 13th Aero Squadron came to life. Proudly referred to as the “Devil’s Own Grim Reapers,” the unit would make Oscar, a human skeleton with both hands held tight to his scythe, its emblem of courage and sacrifice for every mission. By December 1917, the 13th would fly reconnaissance and interdiction escort missions over France in World War I. As the years continued, they would contribute to the fight in World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and in today’s Global War on Terror.

In August of 1951, 34 years after the 13th’s humble beginnings, a young Major, Alvin Robert Fortney, was joining the ranks of the 13th at Kunsan Air Force Base, Korea. Born on 23 May 1921, in Canton, Ohio, Bob knew at 6 years old that he was destine to fly. After a few years attending Ohio State University, just 3 days before his 21st birthday and, in the midst of WWII, Bob commissioned into the Army Air Corp on 20 May 1942.
Not long after his arrival to the 13th, Bob was temporarily promoted to Lieutenant Colonel (November 1951 through July 1952) while he took command of the squadron. Once in the seat, confident in the superior abilities of his men, Lt Col Fortney argued that all Hardnose B model B-26 aircraft on station should be moved to the 13th. He believed the move would allow “the firepower [to be] in the hands of the pilot.” Colonel William Moore, Commander, 3rd Bomb Group, concurred and by 30 January 1952 the move was complete and the squadron was leading the charge in night intruder tactics and mission effectiveness. [See video for the story in Bob’s words]

Following his time in Korea, Bob served in a number of locations, including Guam, and eventually became Chief, Control Division, 2d Air Force. After 30 years in uniform, on 30 June 1971, he retired as the Wing Commander, Blytheville AFB, Arkansas. During his service, he was witness to WWII, the Korean War, the Cuban Revolution, the Vietnam War, the Bay of Pigs Invasion, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Retiring from his civilian job in 1986, Bob enjoys a life of travel these days. At age 96, during his visit to Whiteman, he took a few moments to reflect on his time with the 13th, family, and what it all meant. His message was simply, “have a goal.”

Today the 13th Bomb Squadron resides at Whiteman AFB, home of the B-2, where Reapers continue to fly and Uphold the Legacy of Excellence, not only of Colonel (R) Robert Fortney, but all those that support Team Whiteman, past and present.

Article Courtesy of Morgan Hildebrand, 509th Base Historian

• Date Taken: 08.16.2016
• Date Posted: 08.17.2016 10:28
• Story ID: 207399
• Location: US