Major Robert J Fitzgerald was the Aircraft Commander of Z - 8,
known as both Mission to Albuquerque and St. Bernard.

During training they were stationed at
Walker Army Air Field, Victoria, Kansas

The crew departed Kearney AAF, Nebraska, for
Mather AAF, Sacramento, on 4 November 1944.

Their journey continued to Saipan via John Rodgers Field, Oahu,
and Kwajalein, arriving 10 November 1944.

Below the photo of Mission to Albuquerque is the Fitzgerald Crew Photo.

This is followed by four documents concerning this
Permanent Change of Station from Walker Army Air Field to Saipan.

Their B-29 was rammed by a Japanese fighter while on
73rd Bomb Wing Mission #32, 16-17 March 1945 , Target Kobe.

The aircraft crashed close to Mount Futatabi and a nearby POW Camp.
Lt Robert W Nelson and SSgt Algy Augunas were able to
parachute safely to ground but the other men died in the crash.

Many details of the Crew can be found at Rich Cookson's website titled

Mission to Albuquerque...A Tribute to Robert D Cookson, Sr

 

MISSION TO ALBUQUERQUE
Z SQUARE 8
AKA
ST BERNARD

Source: Rich Cookson

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MAJOR ROBERT J FITZGERALD CREW

source: 500th Bomb Group Memorial Association

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ROSTER OF FLIGHT CREWS
500TH BOMB GROUP
WALKER ARMY AIR FIELD
30 MAY 1944
PAGE 1

 

source: Air Force Historical Research Agency
REEL B0667

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ROSTER OF FLIGHT CREWS
500TH BOMB GROUP
WALKER ARMY AIR FIELD
30 MAY 1944
PAGE 3
LT NELSON IS WITH CREW 115

 

source: Air Force Historical Research Agency
REEL B0667

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OPERATIONS ORDER NUMBER 26
MATHER FIELD, SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
5 NOVEMBER 1944

TWO MEN WITH (X) ARE PASSENGERS

source: Air Force Historical Research Agency
REEL B0667

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MORNING REPORT
881ST BOMB SQUADRON
10 NOVEMBER 1944
SAIPAN

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