Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Martinus
Stenseth
June 11, 1890

–

June 25, 1979

Cemetery:

Zion Cemetery

Martinus Stenseth became an ACE in World War I with 8 victories. After the war he remained in the army. He served in the Philippines during the 1930’s and was Military AttachŽ to Finland and Latvia in 1940. In 1941 he founded Nellis Air Force Base and served as its commanding officer on two occasions. He retired from the United States Army Air Force as a Brigadier General in 1947.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    28th Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    3d Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 22, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 9 (1923)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Martinus Stenseth, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 28th Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., over the Argonne Forest, France, 22 October 1918. Lieutenant Stenseth went to the rescue of a French plane attacked by six enemy Fokker planes with twelve additional enemy planes hovering in reserve. Attacking the enemy with vigor, single handed, he drove down and destroyed one enemy plane and put to flight the remainder. His gallant act in the face of overwhelming odds proved an inspiration to the men of his squadron.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    28th Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    3d Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Service) Martinus Stenseth, United States Army Air Service, was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy.