Robert J. Joyce was born on April 24, 1923, in Ohio. He served in the 335th Bomber Squadron, 95th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Staff Sergeant and Ball Turret Gunner of B-17G #42-31561 nicknamed "Just Elmer's Tune," during World War II.

On February 24, 1944, during its mission targeting Rostock, Germany, "Just Elmer's Tune" sustained significant damage from anti-aircraft flak, which struck engine number one and damaged the stabilizer. Unable to maintain formation, the aircraft fell behind and was further attacked by enemy fighters. The crew was forced to crash-land near Øster Højst, south of Løgumkloster, Denmark. Of the ten crew members, two were killed in action and the remaining eight crew members survived and were taken as prisoners of war.

SSgt Joyce was captured by German forces and held as a prisoner of war until his return to U.S. Military Control at the end of hostilities in May 1945. Robert died on August 3, 2006, and is now buried in the Grand View Memorial Park, Deer Park, Harris County, Texas, USA.

Source of information: b17flyingfortress.de, valor.militarytimes.com