Everett W. Stewart
Encyclopedia
Everett Wilson Stewart was an American flying ace
of World War II
with 7.83 aerial victories and 1.5 ground victories.
After the battle of Midway
, he was given command of the 328th Fighter Squadron of the 352nd Fighter Group, which was sent to England
in mid-1943. In January 1944, he was transferred to the 355th Fighter Group. He became the group's commanding officer in November 1944.
He was promoted to Colonel
in January 1945 and given command of the famous 4th Fighter Group from February 1945 to the end of the war.
After the war, Stewart remained with the Air Force, retiring in 1966
Flying ace
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
with 7.83 aerial victories and 1.5 ground victories.
Military career
Everett Stewart joined the US Army Air Corps in 1938 and flew with the 20th Pursuit Group in the Pacific at the beginning of the war. He quickly rose to the rank of squadron commander.After the battle of Midway
Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway is widely regarded as the most important naval battle of the Pacific Campaign of World War II. Between 4 and 7 June 1942, approximately one month after the Battle of the Coral Sea and six months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States Navy decisively defeated...
, he was given command of the 328th Fighter Squadron of the 352nd Fighter Group, which was sent to England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
in mid-1943. In January 1944, he was transferred to the 355th Fighter Group. He became the group's commanding officer in November 1944.
He was promoted to Colonel
Colonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
in January 1945 and given command of the famous 4th Fighter Group from February 1945 to the end of the war.
After the war, Stewart remained with the Air Force, retiring in 1966
Awards
Silver StarSilver StarThe Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
Distinguished Flying CrossDistinguished Flying Cross (United States)The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The...
(3 oak leaf clusters)
Air MedalAir MedalThe Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:...
(9 oak leaf clusters)