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Kelly Field, 1918 Contributed by Chris Burr, 7-9-10 |
Contributed by Chris Burr, 7-9-10 |
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Tuskeegee, AL, March, 1942 Library of Congress Archive, Courtesy of Greg Powers, 7-23-06 |
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FIRST GOOD MEAL IN TWO YEARS---Three Army officers, part of 400 liberated from a Jap prison camp in
Rangoon are guests of Maj. Gen. George E. Stratemeyer, Air Commander in the India, Burma theater, at their first real meal in two years.
Left to right are Lieut. Col. Douglas G. Gilbert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis I. Gilbert of 1312 North Quincy St., Arlington; General
Stratemeyer, Capt. John H. Hunt of McLeansboro, Ill., and Maj. Charles J. Lutz of Hambleton, W. Va. - May 19, 1945 grandaughter of Major Lutz. |
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via email from an airman, 9-7-02 He was a fine gentleman and I am very proud to say I knew him. I truly believe that when he passed on - that was a good reason Orlando AFB ceased to exist shortly thereafter. I have another story of him which I would be glad to relay to you if you are interested I worked in the Flight Surgeon's / Optometry Clinic - we saw all active duty, retired, and dependents (space available) in our clinic. Orlando AFB was then home to Hq ARS, Hq AAVS, the 1365 Photo Sqd and the 4504 Missile Training Wing among others. Glasses were ordered and shipped from the Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver Co. If an AD person needed his spectacles prior to departing PCS only the optometrist could order them POR (Priority on Request). Gen Stratemeyer was sitting in the clinic waiting for an appointment one day. A young 2nd Lt who had previously ordered glasses came in and asked me if his glasses had come in. I looked in the hold box and said "No Sir, they have not". He said "Airman, I am an officer going PCS and need my glasses and you will get them for me". I told him the only way I could get them earlier was to order them POR but only the optometrist could do that and he was not in. He said, "Airman, I order you to request them POR". Again, I stated only the optometrist could do that. At that point Gen Stratemeyer stood up and said "Lieutenant, do you recognize me". The Lieutenant looked at the General and said "No Sir, I do not". Well, General Stratemeyer introduced himself and asked the Lieutenant if he was any better than him. "No Sir", the Lieutenant replied. "Good", the General said, "Neither do I". "Now, this airman is doing a fine job and I want you to apologize to him" at which time the Lieutenant did. The General then said you will get your glasses as soon this airman can and in the meantime if you come in this clinic again you will treat this airman with respect. "Airman", he said looking at me - "if this Lieutenant gives you any problem you left me know, I said, Yes Sir". Upon which time the Lieutenant departed. About a week later the Lieutenant opened the door to the clinic - quickly looked around - and inquired if his glasses had arrived - I said "No Sir" and he left without a sound. End of story. Thank you General Stratemeyer for your kindness and starting my career on the right track. I stayed in the medical corps and retired as a Senior Master Sergeant. I often think of that day long ago and the impression the general made on me. General Stratemeyey never received his due as an early aviation pioneer he so richly deserves. Thanks for this opportunity to share this with you.................... PS The Lieutenant did get his glasses. Also, in that clinic I worked with the last active duty enlisted optometrist in the Air Force. I hope this story is worthy of your website. Sincerely An airman Editor's Note: I want to thank my visitor for these two wonderful stories, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I think they help a lot to personalize an otherwise impersonal and simply factual glimpse into the life and career of this pioneer aviator. |
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Contributed by M. McKeever, 1-18-12 I have clippings too. Let me know if you would like copies. I really loved Uncle Strat. One of the hardest things I have ever had to do was to call him when my Daddy died suddenly April 6, 1965. Mary Louise Howard Mckeever Aja Mimi. |
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via email from Paul Brodersen, 1-24-07 The neighborhood was developed in the late 50's - my parent's house was built in 1959, so this would be the same time frame as when General Stratemeyer was serving at Orlando AFB per your website. |
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I heartily recommend that you visit the homepage where you will find a listing of many other publications online by clicking on Air Force Historical Research Agency |
via email from Bob Spear, 6-9-06 I was just going through some old things of my father who served in CBI in WWII and found a complete original set of General Orders Number 109 issuing airmedals to about 150 men dated 6 May 1945. They have Maj Gen Stratemeyers hand signed in ink signature at the end. I am slowly emailing all 15 pages to a person who maintains a website on CBI, but thought you might be interested in an emailed copy of the last page which has his signature. I happen to google Stratemeyers name so I could find out more about him and came across your website. Good job. Bob Spear son of Capt William Spear, Flight Surgeon, ATC, India Burma Theater |
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Contributed by Pete Jones, 7-21-10 |
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From The Early Birds of Aviation Roster of Members January 1, 1993 If you have any information on this Early Bird, please contact me. E-mail to Ralph Cooper Back 
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