Robert John Dobson was born on November 20, 1924, in Union City, Hudson County, New Jersey. He was the son of Archelaus C. Dobson and Mary E. Dobson. He enlisted in the service on April 15, 1943. He served in the 525th Bomb Squadron, 379th Bomber Group, as a Sergeant and Ball Turret Gunner of B-17 43-38178 nicknamed 'Seattle Sue' during World War II.

On April 25, 1945, during a bombing mission over Pilsen, Czechoslovakia, two B-17 Flying Fortresses from the 379th Bomb Group—Seattle Sue (serial number 43-38178) and The Thumper (serial number 43-38272)—were tragically involved in a mid-air collision. Seattle Sue reportedly sustained damage to its left engine area or waist section, leading to losing control. While maneuvering, it struck The Thumper, causing catastrophic damage—particularly to The Thumper's tail, which was nearly torn off. Several crew members were killed in the collision, while others survived by parachuting to safety—some were captured and became prisoners of war, while the rest eventually returned to duty.

Sgt Dobson was Killed in Action and is now buried in the Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum, North Arlington, Bergen County, New Jersey, USA.

Source of information: b17flyingfortress.de/, www.americanairmuseum.com