>From scrapbook in possession of the Pierce County Historical Association (please note, I am just posting this obituary, I have NO further info on this family) Newspaper is possibly the Spring Valley Sun, date unknown. KILLED IN ACTION Robert Pumplin, 23, who has been reported as having been killed in action near Bucharest, Romania, June 28, this year, was born in Red Wing May 13, 1921. He entered the Ellsworth high school as a junior in the fall of 1937 and was graduated with the class of 1939. While a student here he was an outstanding athlete. In September, 1942, he was united in marriage with Mary Louise Gaarden, daughter of Mrs. Edna Gaarden, of Minneapolis. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in March, 1943, and was commissioned a second lieutenant at Midland Field, Tex., in September, 1943. He went overseas in March, 1944, as a bombardier on a Liberator bomber stationed in Italy. His plane was downed in a bombing of enemy installations near Bucharest, Romania, June 28 of this year. In August Mrs. Pumplin received word from Major Gen. N.F. Twining, commanding general of the 15th Air Force, stating that parachutes were seen leaving the plane, giving hope that Bob had 'chuted to safety and was possibly being held a prisoner of war. Mrs. Pumplin received word Thursday morning from the War department stating that her husband had been killed in action. Besides his wife and son, Gary, of this village, Lt. Pumplin leaves his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E.S. Pumplin of Red Wing. The Record joined with the community in extending sympathy to the bereaved. Photo can be found at www.rootsweb.com/~wipierce/military.htm