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MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly Jan '93
Robert Lee Eyman No. 15426 Class Of 1946
Died 15 December 1949 Near Walker Air Force Base, New Mexico
aged 24 years. Interment: Oakland Cemetery, Tallahassee, Florida. |
Robert Lee Eyman became known as Bob to family and friends
after he finished high school. Born 17 December 1924 in Jerseyville,
Illinois, Bob moved to Florida at the age of four when his father
became a professor at Florida State College for Women (now Florida
State University). Dr. Eyman later became the Dean of the School
of Education at Florida State College for Women. Growing up in
Tallahassee, Bob became an accomplished cornet player and played
not only in his high school band but also with the college orchestra.
In addition to the time he spent practicing on the cornet, Bob
found time to play tennis, be active in the Boy Scouts and become
master caddy at the local country club. After graduating from
Leon High School in Tallahassee, Bob attended the University
of Florida for one semester before receiving his coveted appointment
to West Point.
Bob joined the Class of 1946 at West Point on I July 1943.
Cadet life was relatively uneventful for him. Academics were
no problem. Not only did he breeze through that part of cadet
life, he always was willing and able to help his less academically
gifted roommates and friends. His plebe roommate, Ralph LaRock,
remembered that Bob accepted anything that came down the pike
with equanimity. One of his roommates after plebe year, Ken Barlow,
remembered: "...He was very much in love with Anne (Anne
Widerquist) throughout cadet days and rarely participated in
social activities on weekends. He preferred to spend his time
writing Anne or going to the gym to work out. Always friendly,
always smiling, a true friend. You could sense his loyalty and
knew he was utterly dependable in every situation."
Bob's joy was unbounded when, in the Spring of 1945, the class
was offered the chance to take flying training. One of his long-standing
ambitions was to become a pilot in the then Army Air Corps. Anne's
only visit to West Point was for Bob's graduation. She could
sense his pride and happiness when he pinned on the wings and
gold bars of a second lieutenant in the Army Air Corps.
Bob and Anne were married 12 June 1946 in Fort Myers, Florida,
during graduation leave. Their first assignment found the Eyman's
at Enid Field, Oklahoma, for transition training to multi-engine
aircraft. From Oklahoma they moved to MacDill Field, Florida,
where Bob was assigned to the 371st Bomb Squadron. Next, the
Eyman's went to Castle Field, California where Bob served
with the 328th Bomb Squadron. Their first son, Richard Lee, was
born during this assignment. Next came Weaponeer School at Sandia
Base, New Mexico, and then Walker Air Force Base, New Mexico,
with the 393rd Bomb Squadron. From New Mexico, the Eyman's returned
to Florida, first to Tyndall Air Force Base and then MacDill
Air Force Base again. Anne recalled their travels up until their
return to Florida: "We took our house with us - an 8' x
25' trailer, sans bathroom. Now those were some trips! We had
guardian angels who literally must have pushed us through some
of the passes in the mountains." In Florida, Bob was in
the Aircraft Commander Phase of B-29 Transition School. In June
of 1949, Bob returned to Walker Air Force Base, New Mexico with
the 393rd Bomb Squadron. Shortly after reporting to the 393rd,
Bob was the pilot on a B-29 that won first place in the Strategic
Air Command's bombing competition held at Castle Air Force Base,
California.
On 15 December 1949, the aircraft commander of a plane just
returned from overhaul was called away to a meeting. Bob Eyman
was designated to take over this flight, which was to be of several
days duration. Late that same day the ill-fated plane returned
to Walker and, as it approached to land, lost power, clipped
a windmill, and crashed two miles north of the field. Seven members
of the crew perished and seven were rescued from the burning
aircraft. Bob Eyman was one of those killed. He was survived
by his wife Anne, son Richard, his parents, a brother David and
two sisters, Ruth and Jeanne.
Robert Lee Eyman loved life. He loved the Air Force. He was
a good pilot and flying was the fulfillment of his dreams. After
his death, a street at Walker Air Force Base was named in his
honor. Today, Walker Air Force Base is gone, but in its current
incarnation, the Roswell, New Mexico Industrial Air Center there
is still an Eyman Street. Bob also loved his family. Anne recalled:
"Not only did he assume his responsibilities in a cheerful
way he also made life a lot of fun. We planned to dance in all
48 states. A gentle, caring person, be would even send cards
or letters when he was away on short nights to Alaska or Hawaii.
He really loved his son Richard and was eagerly awaiting the
birth of his second child. That child, a son John, was born 22
April 1950 in Tallahassee. Florida, four months after Bob's death."
Bob's elder son, Richard, enlisted in the Army in 1967 and
served as an Air Traffic Controller in Vietnam at Qui Nhon Air
Field for two years. After his tour in Vietnam, be became a building
contractor. Richard now has a son, Robert Lee who wants to follow
in his grandfather's footsteps and become a pilot. Richard also
has a daughter, Patrice. Bob's younger son, John, was a student
during the Vietnam War era and later became a realtor in Nova
Scotia, Canada.
When a young man with all the potential shown by Bob Eyman
dies before he can reach the heights set out for him, one must
wonder why. This riddle has confronted mankind from the beginning,
and there is no easy answer. Rather than dwell on this, it is
better to look at the memories left behind for those who knew
and loved Bob Eyman. First, it must be remembered that Bob died
doing what he loved, flying. Then, think how the lives of those
around him were enriched by knowing such a good man. The world
will never know what he might have accomplished, but it is a
much better place for his having been with us, no matter how
short the time. His family, friends and classmates will always
hold a very special place in their hearts for Bob Eyman. The
Class of 1946 proudly states: "Well Done, Bob, Be Thou At
Peace!"
'46 Memorial Article
Project and His Wife, Anne
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