Charles R. Stimpson
Encyclopedia
Charles R. Stimpson was a United States Navy
fighter ace
in the Second World War.
, 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 Wildcat
s 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 Medal
s.
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.
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
fighter ace
Fighter Ace
Fighter Ace was a massively multiplayer online computer game in which one flies World War II fighter and bomber planes in combat against other players and virtual pilots...
in the Second World War.
Biography
Born in Salt Lake City, UtahSalt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Utah. The name of the city is often shortened to Salt Lake or SLC. With a population of 186,440 as of the 2010 Census, the city lies in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, which has a total population of 1,124,197...
, Stimpson graduated from Pomona College
Pomona College
Pomona College is a private, residential, liberal arts college in Claremont, California. Founded in 1887 in Pomona, California by a group of Congregationalists, the college moved to Claremont in 1889 to the site of a hotel, retaining its name. The school enrolls 1,548 students.The founding member...
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
VF-111
Fighter Squadron 111 , also known as the Sundowners, was the designation held by two U.S. Navy fighter squadrons from 1942 to 1995. The first squadron, initially designated VF-11, served as an active Pacific Fleet Fighter Squadron until its disestablishment in 1959. At that time, another squadron...
, which became known as The Sundowners.
Flying Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat
F4F Wildcat
The Grumman F4F Wildcat was an American carrier-based fighter aircraft that began service with both the United States Navy and the British Royal Navy in 1940...
s from Guadalcanal
Guadalcanal
Guadalcanal is a tropical island in the South-Western Pacific. The largest island in the Solomons, it was discovered by the Spanish expedition of Alvaro de Mendaña in 1568...
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)
USS Hornet (CV-12)
USS Hornet is a United States Navy aircraft carrier of the Essex class. Construction started in August 1942; she was originally named , but was renamed in honor of the , which was lost in October 1942, becoming the eighth ship to bear the name.Hornet was commissioned in November 1943, and after...
in the Western Pacific during late 1944. He scored ten more kills, including five confirmed and two probables off Formosa
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
on 14 October.
At the end of the war Stimpson was the Sundowners' top ace with 16 victories, receiving the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
, three Distinguished Flying Crosses
Distinguished 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...
, and three Air Medal
Air Medal
The 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:...
s.
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
Blue Angels
The United States Navy's Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, popularly known as the Blue Angels, was formed in 1946 and is currently the oldest formal flying aerobatic team...
performance at NAS Miramar shortly before his 64th birthday.