Robert A. “Bobby” DiStasi was born on October 15, 1924. He was the son of Anthony DiStasi and Angeline DiStasi. He served in the 360th Bomber Squadron, 303rd Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Sergeant and Left Waist Gunner of B-17F #42-5788 nicknamed 'Pluto's Avenger' and also known as 'A.O.G. Not in Stock,' during World War II.

On February 22, 1944, during Mission #111 to Aschersleben, Germany, B-17F #42-5788 Pluto's Avenger was attacked by German fighters. The aircraft remained in a controlled shallow dive with its #4 engine smoking before crashing near Duffel, 15 km southwest of Antwerp, Belgium. Tragically, four crew members died and six others became prisoners of war, while Major George Weinbrenner evaded capture and returned to the UK in September 1944.

Sgt DiStasi was among the crew members who lost their lives in the crash. He is now buried in the Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, USA.

Source of information: http://www.303rdbg.com/