Robert Eugene Foster: Hero's Memory Lives On

This was the first article that I wrote as Deputy Historian. Written back in 2006, I recently discovered this article on a hard drive while I was looking for something else. This article originally appeared in the Union-Sun & Journal in late 2006.

In Biloxi, Mississippi, a Lockport man is remembered for his duty to his country during the Korean and Vietnam Wars.  “Foster Manor” barracks at Keesler Air Force Base was named as a lasting honor to Robert Eugene Foster.

Recently, a gentleman phoned the Historian’s Office with a request for information on Eugene Foster who was from Lockport and killed in Vietnam.  Airman 1^st Class Brennan Brauen was recently assigned to “Foster Manor” where the recruits were told of the heroism of those who came before them.  He was told it was named in honor of Eugene from Lockport.  He contacted his grandfather, Gerald Brauen of Hoover Pkwy. for more information, who in turn contacted the Historian’s Office.

A phone call to the Public Affairs Office at Keesler put me in touch with Second Lieutenant Lisa Kostellic and base historian James Gildea. Lt. Kostellic was extremely helpful with providing the basic information, starting with Sergeant Foster’s full name, and putting us in contact with Mr. Gildea.  We received a summary of Sgt. Foster’s military experience and the picture of the dedication ceremony.  The Air Force was very forthcoming with the information and excited to help.

Robert Foster was born March 28, 1928 in Lockport, the son of William Foster and Carrie Rothburg.  Growing up on Glenwood Avenue, he attended Lockport High School, and worked at the Upson Co. for three years before enlisting in the Air Force December 10, 1951.  He was assigned to Keesler Air Force Base upon completion of basic training and served as a turret gunner while stationed in England, Germany, and Alaska.  He volunteered for service in Vietnam, arriving in December 1965 and stationed at DaNang.  He was assigned to 6252^nd Combat Support Group, Republic of Vietnam.

Robert Eugene Foster. Pencil-drawn portrait
courtesy US Air Force

While in Vietnam, he flew as gunner on a Douglas AC47, or “Puff the Magic Dragon.”  The plane was so called because of its resemblance as a dragon spitting fire overhead when the guns were in operation during nighttime missions.  It had a row of 7.62mm mini-guns mounted along the left side of the fuselage raining a torrent of deadly and accurate fire on its enemies on the ground.

On March 9, 1966, Foster, along with Capt. Willard M. Collins, Lt. Delbert R. Peterson, Capt. Jerry L. Meek, SSgt John G. Brown, and SSgt. James Turner, Jr., left DaNang Airfield under the call sign, “Spooky 70” for a close air support mission.  As the aircraft neared its objective and turned for a firing pass, enemy anti-aircraft fire riddled it and damaged the right engine.  Utilizing the lone left engine, Captain Collins crash-landed the plane.  The crew quickly assessed the damage and gathered survival gear with Meek setting up a perimeter around the plane.  Lt. Peterson administered first aid to Staff Sergeant Foster, who was injured in the crash.

A pilot of an L19 Forward Air Controller spotted them under the thick jungle canopy and called in air cover for the crew.  Delbert Peterson was sent to the rear of the plane to cover that flank by Captain Meek.  Before the Skyraiders could pass and provide cover, Viet Cong soldiers fired upon the side of the plane.  Captain Collins was mortally wounded and Foster was killed.  They remained under heavy fire as the first rescue was attempted by helicopter.  Brown, Meek and Turner made it to the copter.  As they lifted off, the men aboard the rescue vehicle, they could see the bodies of Collins and Foster, but saw no trace of Peterson.  Continued heavy enemy fire prevented Special Forces from recovering the bodies.  Willard Collins and Robert Foster were declared Killed in Action – No Body Recovered.  Delbert Peterson, likely captured, was listed as Missing in Action.  Returning POWs had no information on Peterson and he was declared Dead – Body Not Recovered in 1978.

Nearly six months after his death, Robert Eugene Foster was awarded the Silver Star, the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters and the Purple Heart in August 1966.  The citation for the Silver Star reads, “Realizing that the Viet Cong would soon swarm to the crash site, Sgt. Foster, although seriously injured, established a defensive position within the aircraft and fought tenaciously to repel repeated attacks upon his position until mortally wounded by hostile fire.

“By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sgt. Foster has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”

According to U. S. Military Guidelines, the Silver Star is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Army, is cited for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.  The Air Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the armed forces of the United States, shall have distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. By virtue of the two Oak Leaf Clusters, Sgt. Foster was awarded this medal twice.

Although the site of their crash in the A Shau Valley is known, as of 2006, the body of Robert Eugene Foster still has not been recovered, nor those of his compatriots’ bodies, Willard M. Collins and Delbert R. Peterson.  On the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., Robert’s name can be found on Panel 5E, Row 132.  Collins is on the line above him and Peterson on the line below.

On May 15, 1975, Keesler Air Force Base honored their fallen hero.  Major General Bryan M. Shotts unveiled and dedicated the new barracks, named “Foster Manor.”  Chaplain Richard C. Besteder gave the invocation and Sergeant Foster’s brother, Thomas, was the honored guest.

Foster Manor dedication ceremony, May 15, 1975
Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Mississippi
Courtesy US Air Force

Today, Air Force recruits stationed at Keesler Air Force Base can bunk in “Foster Manor,” a building honoring one of our great heroes and native sons.  Over twelve hundred miles from Lockport, a Lockport man resides in a building named for another Lockport man, proving that we never forget those men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedoms.