The son of Elsie and Mordechai, Robert Lester Vickman was born on November 21st, 1921, in Los Angeles, California. From an early age he showed exceptional artistic talent in painting, sculpture and engraving, as well as an aptitude for sport and photography. In 1939, on completing his studies, he went on a bicycle tour of Europe with a group of friends and teachers. At the outbreak of the Second World War, he returned to the US and began his studies at the University of California, and two years later began attending a technical art school.
In 1943 he joined the U.S. Air Force, and after completing his training he saw action on the battlefront of the Asian-Pacific war in the photography unit; after taking part in 65 sorties and with over 200 flying hours of combat, he was awarded a decoration for distinguished service.
On his release from the air force, he returned to university and completed his studies there. From June 1946 he continued studying at the technical art school. A few months before he was due to complete his industrial draftsman apprenticeship, he decided to offer his services to the Israel Air Force as a fighter pilot. He reached this decision after a period of restlessness, and his decision came about after enquiries made through various Jewish military organizations in Los Angeles.
In April 1948 he set out with some friends to volunteer for the Haganah. On July 9th, 1948, he flew on a flight mission to the Negev and never returned. It was reported that he fell in battle over Gaza, but his body was never found. After his death, he was awarded the rank of Flight Commander (Captain).
A plaque in his memory was erected at the Military Cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.
Translated into English from the Yizkor website