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15426 Eyman, Robert Lee
December 17, 1924 - December 15, 1949

usma1946

 

 

 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
 
 
 
 
Personal Eulogy
deceased 

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