IL SR2058

Robert Leander "Bob" Martin, a Tuskegee Airman and Chicago resident, passed away on July 26, 2018.

Born February 9, 1919 in Dubuque, Iowa; earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University and pilot's license through the Civilian Pilot Training Program.

Served as a fighter pilot with the Army Air Corps' 332nd Fighter Group during World War II, flying P-51 Mustangs on 64 combat missions; shot down over Zagreb, Yugoslavia in March 1945 and rescued by partisans; earned Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and Air Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters.

After the war, worked as an electrical engineer with Chicago's Bureau of Electricity for 37 years; was an active member of the Chicago Tuskegee Airmen Chapter, speaking about their legacy and promoting aviation careers; received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007.

Survived by his wife Odette Martin, four children, two grandchildren, one sister, and numerous extended family members.