Richard Roit grew up in Downers Grove, attending Puffer Grade School and graduating from Downers Grove Community High School in 1941. An outstanding student in both schools, he continued his education at LaGrange Junior College before working for the International Harvester Company.
Richard enlisted in May 1942 and was called to active training in the Army Air Corps on November 10 of that year. Commissioned a second lieutenant, he served as a navigator with the Army Air Forces. Based in Italy, he participated in at least 37 combat missions, flying over Romania, Germany, northern Italy, and southern France. His service earned him the Air Medal with additional oak leaf clusters, and his promotion to first lieutenant was announced.
Richard lost his life when his plane went down during a mission. His death was one of three tragedies to strike his family in less than six months. His father, Anthony Roit, died after an emergency trip to the hospital. That same night, Richard’s brother-in-law, Karl Braband, husband of his sister Sylvia, was murdered in Palos Park. Richard is buried in Italy.
Lieutenant Richard A. Royt’s name is engraved on the plaque at Memorial Park in Downers Grove honoring local servicemen who never returned home from World War II.
Source: Downers Grove Reporter
