SSgt Robert Lee Freeman was born 4 Jan 1918 in Fort Smith, Sebastian Co., Ar. to Bishop Bascom & Nancy Matilda McAtee Freeman. He enlisted in Fort Smith, Ar on 16 Oct 1940 into the US Army Air Corps. SSgt Freeman was assigned to the 43rd Bomber Group, Heavy, 64th Bomber Squadron. (one record says 64th Bomber Squadron.) Ssgt Freeman was MIA and finally declared dead 16 Mar 1943. The SSgt was listed at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines He has a monument at Fort William Mckinley, Manila, the Philippines Staff Sergeant Freeman was awarded the Purple Heart Medal and the Air Medal. The Air Medal is awarded for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. 1938 Fort Smith Ar. phone book listing