1 Lt.

Robert John Stephan

Group Dentist

384th Bombardment Group (Heavy)

Serial Number: O-498961

Robert John Stephan was born in Three Forks, Montana on 1st September 1917. In 1935, he graduated from High School and then pursued community college and later, university. In 1942, Robert graduated from the University of Iowa Dental College with a doctorate degree in dental surgery. Later that year, Robert also married his wife, Virginia. 

Robert registered for the draft in 1940, and on 25th January 1943, he was assigned to the 384th Bombardment Group. As a dentist for the Group, Robert's responsibilities would have encompassed a wide range of duties. He would have performed routine dental care for 384th personnel, including cleanings, extractions and fillings, and he also would have treated any dental or facial injuries sustained in combat.

It was estimated that 30,000 dentists were required at the peak of US military power in WW2, the maximum number ever enlisted however was 15,293. During the war, the Dental Corp advanced the learning and practice of forensic dentistry, with the providing and recording of dental records becoming commonplace. This in turn was able to lead to the identification of many bodies where other identification means were not possible. It is therefore a reasonable assumption that Robert may have played a crucial role in identifying crew members killed in action, as dental records were often the only means of identifying the deceased.

After the war, Robert was discharged from the service, and he and his brother built a dental practice in Spokane, Washington, where he worked until his retirement. His son later took over the family business, but he has also since retired. The office, The Holistic Dental Center in Spokane, is still in business today. 

Robert was a life member of the American Dental Association, Washington State Dental Association, and the Spokane District Dental Society. In addition to his memberships there, Stephan was also a proud member of the 384th Bomb Group, Inc., now the 384th Bomb Group Heritage Association. 

1st Lt. Robert Stephan passed away in 1993 at the age of 75, and he lies at rest in Spokane, Washington. 

With kind thanks to the 384th Bomb Group Heritage Association website (384thbombgroup.com) for permission in using material from their records in the making of this story. It holds a wealth of information, documents and photographs of the Group’s activities during World War 2. Further information courtesy of Find a Grave.

Research courtesy of Mikayla Leech on behalf of 384th Bombardment Group Museum.