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Navy Federal Credit Union
William
Howard
Stovall
February 18, 1895

–

May 11, 1970

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Netherlands

William Stovall graduated from Yale, then entered military service. In aerial combat during World War I he became ACE and was credited with 6 victories. He returned to service in World War II as an Army Air Forces Colonel with the 8th Air Force, and as Chief of Staff to General Carl “Tooey” Spaatz with whom he served in the 13th Aero Squadron in World War I. His son by the same name earned a Silver Star as a Fighter Pilot in World War II, and was killed in action.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    13th Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    2d Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 26, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 145 (1918)

    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) William Howard Stovall, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 13th Aero Squadron, 2d Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., in the region of Etain, France, 26 September 1918. While leading a protection patrol over a day bombing formation First Lieutenant Stovall’s patrol became reduced through motor trouble to himself and one other pilot. When the bombing patrol was attacked by seven enemy planes he in turn attacked the enemy and destroyed one plane.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel William Howard Stovall, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II.