Searching for information
concerning:
Sgt. Robert Dukatnik, S/N 6299751
who was in the 21st Pursuit Squadron of the 24th Pursuit Group
The following message was received from Clarence & Madeline Dukatnik on February 16, 2008:
Good Evening Father Phillips,
We are searching for any information regarding Sgt
Dukatnik, who was my father-in-law's cousin. Through research we
have found that Robert enlisted in the AAAF from Bell Co. Texas,
in 1939, his Service No. was 6299751, his subordinate unit was
21st Pursuit Squadron, assigned unit 24th pursuit group,
and parent unit, V interceptor command.
Robert was 22 years old at his death as a POW on October 16, 1942, his death is
classified as DNB, which we take to mean he may have died from disease or a
result of an injury.
My father-in-law [Emil] grew up with Robert and his siblings in Bell Co, and was
in basic training as an Infantry soldier preparing to enter the ETO in 1942, and
was told of Robert's death. Also Emil's brother, Jerry was posted to the
Philippines, but was unable to collect any further information about Robert.
We would dearly love to discover anything we can about this young man who died
so tragically, especially since Emil passed away in 2002. We do know that
Robert was single upon enlistment, and it appears he died just a few months
after the surrender of the allies to the Japanese, and we know that as the
Japanese invaded the Philippines, what remained of the Air Corps was integrated
with the defensive ground forces, so maybe he was attached to an Army unit
before his capture.
We would very much appreciate any help you can afford us in attempting to find
out more about Robert. My husband retired after 22 years in the U.S.
military, and feels a duty to honor Robert's memory, also we would like to
someday visit the Manila American Cemetery where Robert's stone is located.
Thank You,
Clarence and Madeline Dukatnik
E-mail Address: Mrsdukat1@aol.com
4769 FM 600
Haskell, TX 79521
940-864-5934