US Army Air Corp Veteran Bill Stroud

 

Bill Stroud, a pilot and 2nd Lieutenant during World War II spoke to Kiwanis on Tuesday night about his experiences in the war.   Stroud, a retired insurance representative, told of his enlistment in the Army Air Corp in February of 1942.  He was placed on inactive status until January 1943 when he was activated.  

Stroud’s flight training took place in Ocala, Florida.  His primary training was in a PT17.  After 7 hours in the PT17, he soloed.  The basic training followed in a PT13.  Advanced training took place in an AT6.  At the conclusion of this training he received his wings and a commission as a 2^nd Lieutenant.  Combat training took place in Tucson Arizona.  At the completion of his training he was sent to Fort Dix, New Jersey and sent to an RAF air base in Norwich, England.  

In December, 1944, 2^nd Lt. Stroud flew his first bombing mission into Germany.  He flew 11 more missions before Germany surrendered in 1945.   During questions Stroud stated that he had about 400 hours of flight time before his first mission.  He also stated that his bomber was equipped with the Norden bomb sight that had been built in Indianapolis.