1. Stanley Winfield "Swede" Vejtasa was a United States Navy career officer and World War II flying ace.
10 Facts About Swede Vejtasa
1. 2.
Swede Vejtasa attended Montana State College, before transferring to the University of Montana.
3.
Swede Vejtasa joined the Navy in 1937 and became a Naval Aviator on 13 July 1939.
4.
The next day, while flying in defense of the American task force, Swede Vejtasa claimed to have shot down three Mitsubishi A6M Zeros, despite flying a much slower Dauntless dive bomber.
5.
Swede Vejtasa left Flying Squadron 10 in May 1943 and returned to the United States to serve as a flight instructor at Naval Air Station Atlantic City.
6.
Swede Vejtasa received the Legion of Merit for his work as Commander Fleet Air, Miramar, from 15 August 1965 to 7 June 1968.
7.
Swede Vejtasa was awarded two Bronze Stars, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal and was inducted into the Carrier Aviation Hall of Fame in 1987.
8.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Stanley Winfield Swede Vejtasa, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron FIVE, attached to the USS.
9.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Stanley Winfield Swede Vejtasa, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron FIVE, attached to the USS.
10.
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Stanley Winfield Swede Vejtasa, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and leader of a Combat Air patrol of four fighters of Fighting Squadron TEN, attached to the USS.