Robert L. Dittmer was born on September 24, 1923, in Elkader, Iowa. He was the son of Walter Carl Jacob Dittmer and Jessie Leui Dittmer.

He received his education in the Elkader public schools and was graduated with the class of 1941. He entered Elkader junior college and was in his second year there when he reported for induction on January 7, 1943. He was trained as a radio technician and gunner. He left the United States on May 26, 1944, and entered combat after training in Scotland and Ireland.

At the time of his death, he was serving in the 848th Bomber Squadron, 490th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Technical Sergeant and Radio Operator on the B-17G #43-38180 during World War II. He was Killed in Action on October 6, 1944, on a bombing mission to Berlin, Germany. His airplane was shot down flak and crashed at Spandau, Germany. The crash resulted in the deaths of 5 men, and four were taken as prisoners.

TSgt Dittmer is now buried in the Davenport Memorial Park, Davenport, Scott County, Iowa, USA.

B-17G #43-3818 crew:
Lt William McLennan - Pilot - POW
2Lt Joseph Bingham - Co-Pilot - POW
1Lt arthur Bubendorf - Navigator - KIA
SSgt Morris Chakansky - Ball Turret Gunner - POW
TSgt Robert Dittmer - Radio Operator - KIA
2Lt Lawrence Grubisich - Bombardier - KIA
SSgt Robert Moyer - Top Turret Gunner - KIA
SSgt Leonard Smith - Tail Gunner - POW
TSgt Santi Trimarchi - Right Waist Gunner - KIA