Robert Clayton Warkentin was born on November 30, 1918, in Reedley, Fresno County, California. He was the son of Gerhard Bart "George" Warkentin and Helena Ruth Rose "Lena" Janzen Warkentin. He was married to Johnnie Juanita McCormick Webre. He served in the 603rd Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Staff Sergeant and Ball Turret Gunner of B-17 #42-102476 during World War II.

On July 16, 1944, the aircraft was shot down during a bombing mission over Munich, Germany. After releasing its bombs, the aircraft was attacked by German fighters and sustained heavy damage. It crashed near Hinter-Henbach, Germany. Some crew members were killed in the attack, while others survived and were captured as prisoners of war.

SSgt Warkentin was Killed in Action and is now buried in the Reedley Cemetery, Reedley, Fresno County, California, USA. Robert C. Warkentin's name is inscribed on the Anstey Window Memorial in Panel 1 (left), on Butterfly 4.

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