Robert L. Liles Photography Collection Finding Aid

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of digital copies of thirty-six photographs from Robert Liles' service in the Army Air Corps and U.S. Air Force from 1940 to 1970, including training as an aviation cadet, World War II, and post-war service.

Arrangement

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Biographical / Historical

Robert Lee Liles was born on June 13, 1920 in Webb City, Missouri. In November 1940, he left college to join the Army Air Corps. Liles finished his flight training at Kelly Field, Texas. He was commissioned in July of 1941 and was assigned to the 77th Pursuit Squadron of the 20th Pursuit Group. In 1942, Liles joined the 16th Fighter Squadron in Karachi, India (now Pakistan) before its deployment to southeast China. During his service with the squadron, Liles, in his P-40 Warhawk "Duke", had five confirmed aerial victories and five "probables". In July 1943, now a major, Liles was appointed to command the 16th Fighter Squadron. In 1944, he was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry. After the war, Liles held various command and staff positions, including command of the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing from 1966 to 1968. He retired as a colonel in 1970. Liles then worked as a safety engineer until he retired again in 1988. Robert Lee Liles died in Montgomery Village, Maryland on August 16, 2013.