Robert M. Ault was born on March 18, 1923, in Coatesville, Chester County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Iona Mary Stern Ault. He was married to Carolyn E. Zarr Ault. He graduated from Williamsport Area Community College with a degree in aviation mechanics. He served in the 702nd Bomber Squadron, 445th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Technical Sergeant and Top Turret Gunner of B-24 #42-50961 during World War II.

On September 27, 1944, B-24 Liberator #42-50961 was lost during the catastrophic Kassel mission over Germany. The aircraft departed RAF Tibenham as part of the 445th’s formation assigned to bomb the Henschel armored vehicle and industrial works at Kassel. During the approach to the target, navigational problems caused the 445th Bomb Group to drift away from the main bomber stream and lose the protection of its long-range fighter escort. After completing the bombing run and turning for home, the isolated bombers were intercepted by large formations of German fighters, including Fw 190s and Bf 109s. Repeated, close-range attacks devastated the formation over central Germany, particularly around the Werra Valley region. B-24 #42-50961 was among the Liberators destroyed in the intense aerial battle and crashed in Germany. Ten of the 12 crew members survived by parachuting near Bad Hersfeld, Germany.

TSgt Ault successfully bailed out and was captured by German forces, becoming a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria. After his military service, he worked for Andritz, formerly Sprout-Waldron, as a service engineer for 24 years. He later continued his career with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, retiring in 1986. He was a member of St. Andrew Evangelical Lutheran Church in Muncy, as well as the Roland Ritter Post 268 American Legion and the Edward O. Smith Post 3428 Veterans of Foreign Wars, both in Muncy. He died on July 22, 2008, and is now buried in the Muncy Cemetery, Muncy, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, USA.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.rafb24.com