"We should always avoid armed conflict. But if you get in it, get in with both feet and get out as soon as possible."
Air Force General,
Curtis LeMay
Early Life
​
Robert J. Watson grew up in the town of Hermon, Maine-- Which at the time had a population of just over 1,100 people. Robert’s parents were Anne Mallett Watson-Nickerson and Charles G. Nickerson. Robert’s father died at a young age and Charles was his step father. Charles was a carpenter and electrician. According to his nephew named Bob; “I commented to my family that it seemed odd that my grandmother had remarried to a tradesman, after first being married to a lawyer..." However there was a simple answer, she said; “they were both gentlemen. If Charles saw a woman on the street, he would tip his hat and say hello." Robert also had a sister; Joanne Watson Edgarton. It may not have been apparent as a young boy, but as Robert grew and matured, he became a respectable athlete, playing football and hockey at Hermon Academy. After graduation he then decided to continue his education by studying at the University of Maine in Orono, before enlisting in the Army-Air Corp.
​
​
Over 100,000 Allied bomber crewmen were killed over Europe.
Eulogy
​
Due to Robert’s prior college education, when he joined the military he came in starting out as an officer in the 8th Air force bomber division. Bombers knew the odds were never in their favor, but nevertheless they would continue the tasks at hand. 10 men, each with their own job and responsibilities in one mighty “flying Fortress”, that sometimes didn’t seem so mighty. Robert J. Watson was a Co/Pilot, meaning that the lives of the 9 people around him were in his very hands. It was June 12, 1944; as the 390th Bomber Group, Heavy went out to fly their mission over Northeastern France. The goal was to take out some German controlled airfields, railroads, bridges, and other geographical advantages. The weather conditions were very poor, making an already dangerous task that much worse. In addition, the group took heavy flak and this would cost 2nd Lt. Watson his life. As the mission continued many other lives were lost before the survivors made it back to the base in England. In 1947 he was laid to rest permanently in the Cambridge American Cemetery in Great Britain. This Memorial Day we would like to thank 2nd Lt. Watson for his sacrifice.