Robert Franklin Simpson Jr.
Robert F. Simpson Jr., born in Birmingham, Alabama on April 13, 1921, died March 8, 2014 at the age of 92. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty Russell Simpson.
Robert is also survived by two sisters; Sue Sawyer and Martha Ann Luna, and four adult children: Robert III of Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan; Scott of Tarpon Springs, Florida; Alan of Tulsa and Lee Ann of Tulsa. He was the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren and eight great grand children.
He received his early education in Alabama, briefly attended Auburn University before the outbreak of WWII, and later attained his college degree in 1959 from the University of Omaha.
Bob served in WWII as a B-24 bomber pilot completing 33 combat missions over Germany and occupied Europe. Following the war he served in the Strategic Air Command as a B-36 pilot and later a commander in the Titan Intercontinental Ballistic Missile program. He culminated his 30- year military career as the U.S. Defense Attaché to West Germany, retiring in 1973 with the rank of Colonel. Among his military decorations were the Distinguished Flying Cross, four Air Medals, the Legion of Merit, and the coveted Grosse Verdienstkreus medal awarded by the German government.
Following his military service he retired in Tulsa and became an avid golfer. He served nine years as president of the La Fortune - South Lakes Men's Senior Golf Association and was a member of the "Bogey Boys".
Bob Simpson served his country with distinction and was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He took great pride in being a part of "America's Greatest Generation".
This site is dedicated to Colonel Robert F. Simpson Jr., USAF (Ret). The site was created by his children and grand-children to recognize his accomplishments and contributions to America. We originally envisioned the site to focus primarily on his role he during World War II as a member of the 34th Bomb Group (H) flying B-24 Liberators.
However, as we began the process of site development it became obvious that it would be more appropriate to expand the site to include later accomplishments in both the military and civilian life.
Bob Simpson was born on April, 13, 1921 in Birmingham, Alabama. He began his military career as a member of Pilot Class 43G and following graduation from flight training entered B-24 Transition and Instructor Training in Smyrna, Tennessee. In October 1943, as a Second Lieutenant with shiny new Pilot Wings, he was transferred to the 34th Bomb Group at Blythe, California. Here he was assigned his new bomber crew and B-24H number 42-94893, which was soon named “Hells Belle”.
As a B-24 aircraft commander he completed 33 combat missions over enemy occupied Europe and participated in the first and last combat missions of the 34th Bomb Group while they were equipped with the B-24. After the war Colonel Simpson continued his military career flying both the B-29 and B-36 in the new Air Force Strategic Air Command. He later became the Deputy Commander for Operations of an ICBM Wing followed by an assignment to West Germany as the Defense Attache. Bob Simpson retired from the active duty in 1973.
