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View of the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center tower at sunset

One museum, two locations

Visit us in Washington, DC and Chantilly, VA to explore hundreds of the world’s most significant objects in aviation and space history. Free timed-entry passes are required for the Museum in DC.

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Apollo 11: Buzz Aldrin on the Moon

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space shuttle launch

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Women in Aviation and Space Family Day

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Bob Hoover Gives an Air Show Performance

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Stanley F. Swertinski

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Stanley F. Swertinski
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Stanley F. Swertinski
Stanley F. Swertinski

Foil: 39 Panel: 3 Column: 1 Line: 9

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Leader

Honored by:
Mr. Joe Swertinski


This profile honors Stanley F. Swertinski. He, along with thousands of other men and women, quietly served their country during World War II. Their courage, dedication and sacrifice helped to preserve the freedom that the people of the United States enjoy today.
After enlisting in the Army Air Force in December 1942, Mr. Swetinski trained as a radio operator. He was deployed to the SWPA in April 1944 and assigned to the military base in Milne Bay, New Guinea.
Shortly thereafter, he was assigned to the famed "Satan Angels" 475th Fighter Group, servicing P-38 Lightnings of the 433rd Fighter Squadron. From 1944 - 1945, Mr. Swertinski participated in a number of significant campaigns as the 5th Air Force swept across the Southern Pacific Theater, capturing the Bismarck, Archipelago, Luzon, the North Solomons and Ryukus Islands.
Among the memories indelibly etched in his memory is the liberation of the Philippines and his presence on the beach as General Douglas MacArthur staged his triumphant return. When hostilities were officially concluded, Swertinski was aboard an LST heading for the final invasion of Japan that never occurred.
In the post-war years, the names of faraway places such as Biak, Mindoro and Ie Shima faded with time, but the strange codes on model airplane collections were a source of endless interest. B-25s, P-40s, B-29s and of course, P-38s developed into lifetime wonders for a new generation growing u among the stories, photographs and memories of these incredible aircraft and the men who so skillfully flew and maintained them.
This placement at the National Air and Space Museum is a testament to our father, a member of the "Greatest Generation" and a direct link with these legendary airplanes whose exploits have captured the imaginations of successive generations.


Wall of Honor profiles are provided by the honoree or the donor who added their name to the Wall of Honor. The Museum cannot validate all facts contained in the profiles.

Foil: 39

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National Air and Space Museum

6th St. and Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20560

202-633-2214

Open daily
10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Free Timed-Entry Passes
Required

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway
Chantilly, VA 20151

703-572-4118

Open daily
10:00 am - 5:30 pm
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