Bob's History
Gone But Not Forgotten
Major Robert A. Lodge, Class of 1964, was listed as missing in action on 10 May 1972, when his F-4D aircraft was shot down over North Vietnam. On 11 May 1973 Hq. USAF officially changed Major Lodge's status to killed in action.
Major Lodge was survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond J. Lodge, Wyandotte East, 1074 Iron Gate Ln, Apt. D, Columbus, OH 43213.
Major Lodge served brilliantly as a cadet and officer. He was named to the Superintendent's, Commandant's and Dean's Lists at the Academy. He participated with the Ski Club, the Forum, the Catholic Choir, the Professional Studies Group, the Gun Club, the Math Club, and the Academy Assembly. At graduation in 1964 he was awarded the Colonel Carl F. Greene Award as the Outstanding Cadet in Mechanics; the Colonel Homer Kellams Award as the Outstanding Cadet in Thermodynamics; and the Wright Brothers Award as the Outstanding Cadet in Engineering Sciences. Major Lodge was given a National Science Foundation Fellowship for study in Astronautics at Purdue University.
Following graduation from pilot training in 1966, Major Lodge flew the F-105 aircraft at Takhli AB, Thailand, and later at Kadena AB, Okinawa in 1967. He upgraded in the F-4 and served at Misawa AB and Fuchu AS, Japan and later in 1970 at Nellis AFB in the Fighter Weapons School. In 1971 he was assigned to Udorn AB, Thailand, with the 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing.
Major Lodge flew 100 missions over North Vietnam and was credited with shooting down 3 MiG-21 aircraft. His decorations included the Silver Star with 1 oak leaf cluster, the Distinguished Flying Cross with 3 oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with 14 oak leaf clusters, and the Commendation Medal.
(Gone But Not Forgotten, Checkpoints, July 1973)
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