Darwin City in Darwin Municipality, Northern Territory, Australia — Oceania

2nd Lt. Robert J. Buel, USAAF

WWII Fighter Pilot, 21st Pursuit Sq., 35th Pursuit Grp.

— Shot Down Feb. 15, 1942 —

2nd Lt. Robert J. Buel, USAAF Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., September 9, 2024

1. 2nd Lt. Robert J. Buel, USAAF Marker

Inscription. On Feb. 15, 1942, the P-40E Kittyhawk fighter of 2nd Lt. Buel was one of only two planes that were available for the defense of Northern Australia. On this date, both aircraft were sent to defend an allied convoy under Japanese attack, but only Buel caught up with the fleet.

Before he was shot down and plunged to his death, 2nd Lt. Buel--alone--downed a Japanese bomber and cleared safe passage for the allied ships. His self-sacrifice and valor became an inspiration to all who leaned of it.

With grateful appreciation The American Legion remembers USAAF 2nd Lt. Robert J. Buel.

Erected 1992 by The American Legion by Dominic D. DiFrancesco, National Commander.

Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is February 15, 1942.

Location. 12° 27.723′ S, 130° 50.081′ E. Memorial is in Darwin City, Northern Territory, in Darwin Municipality. It is on Parker Walk just south of Esplanade, on the right when traveling south. Marker is in Bicentennial Park. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 31 Doctors Gully Rd, Darwin City NT 0820, Australia. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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it is in Oceania,

in Australasia,

in the Pacific Ocean,

in South Pacific,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Story of Sacrifice (here, next to this marker); USS Peary DD 226 (a few steps from this marker); Ocean Views Hide History (a few steps from this marker); Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig Leichhardt (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); Friendship through Gardens (about 180 meters away); mirragma gunugurr-wa (about 240 meters away); Mandjabu Fish Trap (approx. 0.3 kilometers away).

More about this memorial. This is one of three historical markers placed in May 1992 by the American Legion in the Southern Pacific. The two other markers were placed in Papua New Guinea. Those markers honor the heroism of Army Captain Meredith M. Huggins and Staff Sergeant Herman J. Bottcher.

2nd Lt. Robert J. Buel, USAAF and USS Peary DD 226 Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., September 9, 2024

2. 2nd Lt. Robert J. Buel, USAAF and USS Peary DD 226 Markers

Photographed by Kevin W., September 9, 2024

3. 2nd Lt. Robert J. Buel, USAAF Marker

Photographed by Kevin W., September 9, 2024

4. 2nd Lt. Robert J. Buel, USAAF Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2024, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 298 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 24, 2024, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.