Robert Ramsay Stuart was born on May 31, 1920, in Saint Johnsbury, Caledonia County, Vermont. He was the son of Homer Howland Stuart Sr. and Ethel Eugenia Scott Taylor. He served in the 603rd Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Second Lieutenant and Navigator of B-17 #42-107138 nicknamed ''Witka Tanka Ton'' during World War II.

On November 21, 1944, B-17G #42-107138 departed from Nuthampstead, England, for a bombing mission over Merseburg, Germany. After successfully releasing its bombs on target, the aircraft was attacked by German fighters. The assault caused severe damage to the No. 2 engine and struck the No. 4 engine as well, ultimately leading to the bomber crashing near Merseburg during the mission. Of the ten crew members aboard, seven were killed in action.

2Lt Stuart was Killed in Action and is now buried in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Saint Johnsbury, Caledonia County, Vermont, USA. Robert R. Stuart's name is inscribed on the Anstey Window Memorial in Panel 3 (right), on Butterfly 23, in the bottom right wing (section D).

Source of information: www.americanairmuseum.com, www.398th.org