Submitted by Lt. Col. Albert G. Brauer II, USA (Ret), Greater Cincinnati Chapter

The Greater Cincinnati Chapter celebrated World War II veteran 1st Lt. Robert H. Doolan on his 105th birthday. The celebration was held March 18 at Clovernook Country Club in North College Hill with a large crowd of well-wishers from across the Cincinnati tri-state area.

Doolan was raised in Cincinnati’s West End and graduated from St. Xavier High School in 1935. The former Army Air Corps navigator flew 13 dangerous bombing missions from January-August 1943 over Nazi-occupied Europe as a member of the 92nd Bomb Group, nicknamed “Fame Favored Few.”

His B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft was shot down on his unlucky 13th mission, and he spent the next 21 days avoiding capture with the aid of the valiant Dutch resistance. After capture by the Germans, he was a prisoner of war for almost two years in Stalag Luft III. In a twist of fate, Doolan owes his life to a bold Luftwaffe officer that saved him from the certain execution by the Gestapo.

Doolan would be transferred to another camp after two years at Stalag Luft III and eventually was freed by soldiers with the U.S. Third Army; he returned to the U.S. in 1945 and officially left service the following year.

[RELATED FROM WCPO-TV: WWII Navigator Connects With Great-Granddaughter of Man Who Helped Hide Him During the War]

Speaking to a spellbound audience as if those the events happened yesterday, Doolan mixed humor with a deep respect for his Dutch resistance helpers, members of his flight crew, and fellow POWs.  

Greater Cincinnati Chapter leaders Brig. Gen. Thomas O’Brien, USA (Ret), standing left, and Capt. William Heitbrink, USPHS (Ret), standing right, honor chapter member former 1st Lt. Robert Doolan, USA, for his 105th birthday.

The offices of Rep. Brad Wenstrup and Sen. Rob Portman offered proclamations and letters of birthday greetings to Doolan. Wenstrup is also a MOAA member and serves as a colonel is the U.S. Army Reserve.

Lt. Col. Dan Shea, USA (Ret), chapter membership chair, led the singing of “Happy Birthday,” and a large birthday cake was cut with a military sword. Chapter President Capt. William Heitbrink, USPHS (Ret), presided over the ceremony.

Doolan is the oldest living member of the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of MOAA.