World War II pilot survived direct hit, POW experience in Europe

MCKEES ROCKS, Pa. - Nov. 7, 2014 - PRLog -- Willow Lane veteran Michael Dobda knows about persistence and resiliency. A U.S. Army Air Corps pilot, Lt. Dobda and his crew on the B-26 bomber “Black Jack” were shot down during a February 13, 1945 mission over Germany.

    Dobda suffered serious burns and spent months in a German prisoner of war camp.

    Nearly 70 years later, Dobda, who is a resident at IntegraCare’s Willow Lane senior living community, has no regrets about serving his country.

    “It was an honor to serve and I can think of nothing better,” said Dobda, who is 93 years old. “The United States of America means the world to me. There is nothing better than the United States of America and what she stands for and the opportunities she gives all Americans.”

    IntegraCare will hold a Veterans Day program at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11 at Willow Heights, an independent living community located next to Willow Lane. A Veterans’ themed Lunch and Learn will be held at noon at Willow Lane, addressing elder law estate and disabilities.

    Dobda grew up in McKees Rocks and graduated from Sto-Rox High School. He joined three of his friends and enlisted in the Army Air Corps at age 20 in 1942. He completed his flight training and earned his wings at Spence Field in Georgia, then trained to fly B-26’s at Lake Charles, Louisiana.

    Lt. Dobda was sent to Europe, where his crew bombed enemy coastal batteries. On his 23^rd mission, while bombing a railroad bridge in Germany, enemy anti-aircraft guns scored a direct hit on his plane, “Black Jack.” One of his crew members, a bombardier, was killed. Dobda and four other crewmen were taken prisoner after parachuting behind enemy lines.

    A badly-burned Dobda didn’t have time to get out of his chute harnesses when he was surrounded by German soldiers. He had landed in the middle of anti-aircraft guns. Dobda and his remaining crew members were taken to a barn that housed four other captured Americans.

    Eventually, Dobda was transported to prison Camp 5A in Ludwigsburg, Germany. As the Allied forces advanced, Dobda and other prisoners seized the opportunity to escape, first to a nearby town, and later to Heidelberg, where the British were in control. He finally made his way to Paris.

    “I was one of the lucky ones,” Dobda said. “I came home. Others weren’t so lucky. We all owe those men and women a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice.”

    He was honorably discharged and returned to Pennsylvania, where Michael met his wife, Lovey. The couple had two children.

    “It is important that we recognize and honor all of the veterans such as Michael Dobda who gave so much for their country,” said Phyllis Stern, Director of Sales and Move-Ins at Willow Lane. “These men and women have made our way of life possible. Some of them made the ultimate sacrifice. Others, like Michael, suffered terrible wounds and endured tough conditions in POW camps.

    “The great thing about Michael is that despite all of this, he only has great things to say about his service and his country. He is a great example for the younger generations. We’re proud to have him here at Willow Lane.”