| Charles R. Stimpson | |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Skull |
| Born | August 24, 1919 |
| Died | August 20, 1983 (aged 63) |
| Place of birth | Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Place of death | Naval Air Station Miramar |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1941-1956 |
| Rank | Commander |
| Service number | 0-121639 |
| Unit | Fighting Squadron 11 |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |
Navy Cross Distinguished Flying Cross (3) Air Medal (3) |
Charles R. Stimpson (24 August 1919 - 20 August 1983) was a United States Navy fighter ace in the Second World War.
Biography[]
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Stimpson graduated from Pomona College in 1941 and enlisted in the navy as an aviation cadet. He received his commission and aviator wings in May 1942 and was assigned to Fighting Squadron 11, which became known as The Sundowners.
Flying Grumman F4F-4 Wildcats from Guadalcanal in the summer of 1943, "Skull" Stimpson shot down six Japanese aircraft. He remained with the squadron during its second combat deployment, flying F6F-5 Hellcats from USS Hornet (CV-12) in the Western Pacific during late 1944. He scored ten more kills, including five confirmed and two probables off Formosa on 14 October.
At the end of the war Stimpson was the Sundowners' top ace with 16 victories, receiving the Navy Cross, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, and three Air Medals.
Released from active duty in October 1945, Stimpson participated in the naval reserve program until 1956. He settled in the San Diego area, having married into the hotel business. He was widely known as the genial, popular host of The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, but maintained his interest in aviation. He died at a Blue Angels performance at NAS Miramar shortly before his 64th birthday.
Awards and decorations[]
[]
| “ | The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Charles Russell Stimpson (NSN: 0-121639), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron ELEVEN (VF-11), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands Area, on 14 October 1944. Instantly taking over the lead of an eight-plane combat patrol when his flight leader's radio became inoperable, Lieutenant Stimpson boldly intercepted and attacked a large formation of enemy aircraft headed for our surface forces. Courageously and skillfully pressing home his attacks, he shot down five and possibly seven of the fourteen enemy planes destroyed in the engagement and aided in dispersing the remainder. His skillful airmanship, initiative and exceptional courage reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Stimpson and the United States Naval Service.[1] | ” |
Distinguished Flying Cross (1st award)[]
| “ | The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Charles R. Stimpson (NSN: 0-121639), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot in Fighting Squadron ELEVEN (VF-11), in action in the Pacific from 16 June 1943. As a member of a four-plane flight, he intercepted a large number of enemy dive-bombers on 16 June 1943, in the Solomon Islands area. Lieutenant Stimpson shot down four of the enemy aircraft.[1] | ” |
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Charles Stimpson". Military Times. http://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=21114. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
- "Charles R. Stimpson". United States Navy Fighter Pilot Aces of World War Two. AcePilots.com. http://www.acepilots.com/usn_aces.html#Stimpson. Retrieved 2007-11-04.
External links[]
- "United States Navy and Marine Corps Aces". Naval Historical Center, Department of the Navy. 31 March 1997. http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/aces.htm. Retrieved 2007-11-04.
- "Charles R. Stimpson". Find a Grave. http://www.findagrave.com/memorial/166730252. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
The original article can be found at Charles R. Stimpson and the edit history here.