The Passing of Robert Morgan - Memphis Belle Pilot

[Douglas J Schrack]

Asheville, N. C. - Col. Robert Morgan, commander of the famed Memphis
Belle B-17 Bomber that flew combat missions over Europe during World War
II, died late Saturday of complications from a fall, his wife said. He was
85.
Morgan was hospitalized April 22 with a fractured neck after falling
following an air show at Asheville Regional Airport, said a spokeswoman
for Mission Hospitals, where Morgan was treated.
His condition had been deteriorating in the last week or so, and
Morgan was taken off life - support systems, his wife, Linda said. His
wife, two daughters, a close family friend, and two ministers were at his
side when he died, she said.
A native of Asheville, Morgan became famous as the pilot of the
Memphis Belle, which flew 25 combat missions over Germany and France.
The crew completed its 25th mission May 17, 1943. It was a historic
number: The Belle was the first heavy bomber in the European theatre to
last 25 missions, the magic number needed for a crew to be sent home.

Doug

[Terry K.]

All of the Hero's from WW2 are passing so fast, I'm honored to have known the ones I have met. Condolences to his family.

[tom hansen]

I have an autographed photo of him in my office with his crew. My brother met him at some resort in north carolina and talked with the guy a while. He said he was a good guy and gave my brother and I the autographed photos. I do a part time clinic at the VA and take in all the stories I can get. Every week it is war stories corner.

[mvm71]

May a real American hero rest in peace! And a job well done!

Thanks,
Mike

[grovb]

I have an autographed photo of him in my office with his crew. My brother met him at some resort in north carolina and talked with the guy a while. He said he was a good guy and gave my brother and I the autographed photos. I do a part time clinic at the VA and take in all the stories I can get. Every week it is war stories corner.

I have been putting my efforts into interviewing the remaining vets. I also record them. Sad thing that they are going.

[voodoo]

My heart sunk when I read this. I met Capt. Morgan last summer at an air show in Wisconsin where he was touring with a Memphis Belle. He was a perfect and gracious gentleman. I was a kid that day, looking at a hero.

God Bless and thanks

Jeff

[Douglas Jr.]

Very sad news

Very sad news indeed...

Let´s pray for him and his family.

Regards,

Douglas.

[Bill M]

--I met Mr Morgan 8 years ago at an event at Floyd Bennett Field and he was certainly a class act. Unfortunately the Belle was not with him. He is, to date, he only person that I've met that I clamored to be photographed with, which was a novel experience in itself.
--We chatted a while, as it was early and the opportunity was there, and I had him sign an Ernie Boyette print of the Memphis Belle. I felt like a kid that day and I am saddened now by his passing.