THE WALL OF FACES

I was stationed at the 99 Bomb Wing (BW), Westover AFB, MA from 30 Mar 1969 to 20 Oct 1973. Upon return from my first overseas combat tour in SEA, I was switched to another “Senior” 99th BW bomber crew (E-49), commanded by Maj. John Stuart. I flew two training missions with this crew before deploying for my second Arc Light combat tour in mid-august 1970.

Crew E-49
Maj John F. Stuart (P), 314-30-3116
1Lt Peter Coughlan (CP), 127-32-2324
Capt Eugene L. Leger (RN), 015-30-6333
Capt Robert B. Banford (N), 081-32-7884
1Lt Loren A. Pancoast (EW), 553-60-2807
MSgt Ronald E. Tracy (G), 561-40-6908

While assigned TDY (14 Aug-14 Oct 1970), we flew 22 combat missions together from Utapao, Thailand. During this tour, I learned more about the B-52, its mission and capabilities from Maj. John Stuart, than from any of my previous aircraft commanders. Unfortunately, he would later lose his life during a Linebacker II mission over Hanoi in December 1972. His B52 was one of many involved in the successful "Christmas Bombings" of Hanoi that finally convinced the Vietnamese to sit at the peace table.

In 1973, I returned for my fourth SEA tour as Aircraft Commander of my own crew. To this day, I visit the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC every year and pause for a moment of reflection at Panel 01W, Line 097. I will be forever grateful for his tutelage.

MAJ John F. Stuart was aboard a B-52 shot down by a Surface to Air (SAM) missile over Hanoi on December 20, 1972. His B-52 was one of many involved in the successful "Christmas Bombings" of Hanoi that finally convinced the Vietnamese to sit at the peace table. [Taken from pownetwork.org]

Dear LTC John Franklin Stuart, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

Arsenal Technical High School - Indianapolis, Indiana

John F. Stuart graduated in 1961, as a member of Class 61-E at Webb AFB.

Photo provided by Genevieve Stockburger, Museum Administrator at Hangar 25 Air Museum.