Robert Edward Femoyer was born in Huntington. He joined the Army Air Forces in 1942 and trained to be a pilot but failed to pass. Instead, he became a navigator and was assigned to the 711th Bomb Squadron in 1944.

On November 2, 1944, during a mission over Germany, Femoyer’s B-17 bomber was hit, and he was badly wounded. Refusing pain medicine so he could stay alert, he guided the plane safely back to England, saving his crew. He died shortly after landing.

For his bravery, Femoyer received the Medal of Honor, the Purple Heart, and other awards. He is one of only 11 Eagle Scouts ever to earn the Medal of Honor. Femoyer Hall at Virginia Tech was named in his honor.