| William Howard Stovall | |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Hank |
| Born | 18 February 1895 Stovall, Mississippi, USA |
| Died | 11 May 1970 Stovall, Mississippi, USA |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | Aviation |
| Years of service | 1917 - 1918; 1941 - 1945 |
| Rank | Lieutenant; later colonel |
| Unit | 13th Aero Squadron |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross, Victory Medal with 3 battle clasps, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star, European Theatre of Operations ribbon with 5 battle stars, British Order of the British Empire, French Legion d'Honneur and Croix de Guerre with Palm |
| Other work | Chief of Staff of U. S. Strategic Air Force during World War II |
Lieutenant (later Colonel) William Howard Stovall began his military career as a World War I flying ace credited with six aerial victories. He went on to become a successful businessman, as well as serving his country a second time in World War II.[1][2]
William Howard Stovall was born on his family's cotton plantation in Stovall, Mississippi, the son of a Civil War colonel. He graduated from Lawrenceville School in 1913, then attended Yale in 1916.[3]
He reported to the 13th Aero Squadron in July 1918. On 1 August, in company with Charles Biddle and two other American pilots, shot down two German Albatros D.V fighters over Viéville-en-Haye. Then, from 15 September to 23 October 1918, he downed four of the new Fokker D.VII fighters. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.[4]
He returned to the plantation after the war. During World War II, he served once again, joining the U.S. Army Air Corps as a major. He became the directory of personnel for the Eighth Air Force in Britain. He later became Chief of Staff for an old comrade from the 13th Aero, General Carl Spaatz. From this war, he brought home the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, British Order of the British Empire, French Legion d'Honneur and Croix de Guerre, as well as campaign ribbons.[5]
Once again, he returned to the family plantation business. He died at home in his sleep on 11 May 1970.[6]
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William Howard Stovall, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the region of Etain, France, September 26, 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.[7]