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Stovall, William Howard, Jr. "Bud"

Date of birth:
March 1923 (Memphis/Tennessee, United States)
Date of death:
December 31st, 1944 (Bergsteinfurt, Germany)
Buried on:
Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial
Plot: A. Row: 12. Grave: 19.
Service number:
O-716271
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
2nd Lieutenant
Unit:
62nd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force
While engaged in combat, Stovall was able to return his badly damaged plane back to base at Boxted, England after getting 1 PD EA. For sheer force, strength, and flying skill on 23 December 1944.

Posthumously received
Air Medal (AM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
2nd Lieutenant
Unit:
62nd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force

Posthumously received
-
Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Medal (AM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
2nd Lieutenant
Unit:
62nd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force
Engaged a superior force of 7 enemy FW 190's for 15 to 20 minutes while on a mission over Hanover, Germany. Lt Stovall was able to bring down 2 confirmed EA before having to bail out of his badly damaged ship while engaged in combat on 31 December 1944.

Posthumously received
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
2nd Lieutenant
Unit:
62nd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force
For leadership, courage and bravery, while flying on 31 December 1944. His wingman had returned back to base leaving Lt. Stovall in a two plane element. He did not hesitate to engage the enemy and never faltered in his duty.

Posthumously received
Legion of Merit - US Military
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
2nd Lieutenant
Unit:
62nd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force

Posthumously received
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
2nd Lieutenant
Unit:
62nd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force

Posthumously received
Purple Heart

Sources

Photos