B-52 static rededicated to Missouri native

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. - Members of the Whiteman Honor Guard prepare to post the colors during the B-52 static display rededication ceremony Nov. 10. the B-52 was repainted and dedicated to Capt. Robert Morris, a B-52 pilot during the Linebacker II missions. Captain Morris and his crew shot down after their mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Carlin Leslie)

B-52 static rededicated to Missouri native

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. - The B-52 Stratofortress static display was re dedicated to Capt. Robert Morris during a ceremnoy Nov. 10. Captain Morris and his crew were shot down in their B-52, "Ebony 2" following completion of their mission durign Linebacker II. Captain Morris was a missouri native from St. Louis. "Captain Morris gave his life for all of us, for our children and our children's' children and we honor him today. We honor all the veterans and the lives they gave up for all of us," said. Brig Gen. Garrett Harencak, 509th Bomb Wing commander, durign the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Carlin Leslie)

B-52 static rededicated to Missouri native

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. - A B-52 Stratofortress flies over durign the B-52 static display dedication ceremony Nov. 10. The flyover signified the B-52 "Ebony 2" that was shot down during the Linebacker II missions. The static display was dedicated to the pilot, Capt. Robert Morris, of the "Ebony 2." Captain Morris was a native of Missouri from the St Louis area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Carlin Leslie)

B-52 static rededicated to Missouri native

Published Nov. 13, 2008
By Staff Sgt. Jason Barebo
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

WHTIEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Despite a chill in the air, more than 50 members of team Whiteman attended a ceremony dedicating the newly painted B-52 Stratofortress static display to Capt. Robert Morris, a Missouri native who gave his life defending the ideals of America during a Linebacker II mission over North Viet Nam 26 Dec. 1972.

Captain Morris and the crew of the Ebony 2 were shot down following their bombing run or the heavily defended Giap rail yards. The B-52 display, located near the Arnold Gate, was repainted with Captain Morris' name under the crew compartment and the names of his crewmembers on the lower portion of the fuselage.

Captain Morris piloted his B-52 to the Giap rail yards and delivered his ordnance to his target. During their post-target turn, the crew of the Ebony 2 was shot down by one of 30
surface-to-air-missile sites in the vicinity. The Ebony 2 went at 11:42 p.m. Central Time.

In addition to Captain Morris, the crew of the Ebony 2 included 1st Lt. Robert Hudson, co-pilot, Captain Michael LeBeau, radar navigator, 1st Lt. Dwayne Vavroch, navigator, Capt. Nutter Wimbrow, electronic warfare officer, and Tech. Sgt. James Cook, gunner.

Following a moment of silence in remembrance of the sacrifice of Captain Morris and his crew a B-52 flew over the ceremony signifying the aircraft that was lost.

"This is a very solemn occasion," said Brig. Gen. Garrett Harencak, 509th Bomb Wing commander. "(Captain Morris) will forever be remembered by us here today and by the entire Team Whiteman community.

"Today is about remembering this young aviator and his entire crew," General Harencak continued. "Captain Morris was from St. Louis and gave his life for all of us, for our children and our children's' children and we honor him today. We honor all the veterans and the lives they gave up for all of us."