Benjamin Franklin Roberts was born in Flint, Michigan. He enlisted in the service on November 10, 1942. He served in the 364th Bomber Squadron, 305th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Sergeant and Ball Turret Gunner of the B-17 #42-3436 during World War II.

On October 14, 1943, the B-17F Flying Fortress #42-3436 joined a major Allied mission to bomb Schweinfurt's industrial targets. Known as "Black Thursday," the raid faced fierce resistance, with bombers lacking long-range fighter escorts. The aircraft came under heavy attack from German fighters, suffering critical damage, including hits to its number 2 engine. Around 13:45, the B-17 broke apart midair. The tail section, with two deceased waist gunners, fell near a Dutch coal mine, while the nose section crashed in Germany near Finkenrath. Five crew members survived but were captured; the co-pilot was never found.

Sgt Roberts was captured by German forces and held as a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft III in Sagan, Germany before being relocated to Nuremberg-Langwasser in Bavaria. After the war, Roberts returned to the U.S., where he completed a 40-year engineering career with General Motors and later owned his own machinery business. Now retired in Priceville, Roberts remains active and celebrates his 100th year old as of August 2023.

Source of information: www.americanairmuseum.com, www.hartselleenquirer.com