The Aerodrome Home Page
Aces of WWI
Aircraft of WWI
WWI Aviation Books
Chat Room
The Aerodrome Forum
Sign the Guestbook
WWI Web Sites
Medals & Decorations
The Aerodrome News
Search The Aerodrome
Opinion Poll
William Stephenson [Canada]

Name:William Samuel Stephenson
Country:Canada
Rank:Captain
Service:Royal Flying Corps
Royal Air Force
Squadrons:73
Victories:12
Born:11 January 1896
Place of Birth:Winnipeg
Died:31 January 1989
Place of Death:Bermuda
Military Cross (MC)
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
William Stephenson

Notes
As a Sergeant in the Canadian Engineers, Stephenson was badly wounded during a gas attack in 1916. On 16 August 1917, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and was posted to 73 Squadron on 9 February 1918. Flying the Sopwith Camel, he scored 12 victories before he was shot down and captured by the Germans on 28 July 1918. For his counter-intelligence work during World War II, Stephenson was knighted and received the Presidential Medal for Merit from the United States.

Military Cross (MC)
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When flying low and observing an open staff car on a road, he attacked it with such success that later it was seen lying in the ditch upside down. During the same flight, he caused a stampede amongst some enemy transport horses on a road. Previous to this, he has destroyed a hostile scout and a two-seater plane. His work has been of the highest order and he has shown the greatest courage and energy in engaging every kind of target." MC citation, London Gazette, 22 June 1918

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
"This officer has shown conspicuous gallantry and skill in attacking enemy troops and transports from low altitudes, causing heavy casualties. His reports, also, have contained valuable and accurate information. He has further proved himself a keen antagonist in the air having, during recent operations, accounted for six enemy aeroplanes." DFC citation, London Gazette, 21 September 1918

Books
A Man Called IntrepidReview
Sir William Stephenson / Paperback / Ballentine Books 1978

Previous AceAces · Aircraft · Books · Chat · Forum · Guests · Links · Medals · News · Search · Vote

Copyright © 1997,1998 The Aerodrome
Page revised on 18 Nov 1997
Next Ace