The Museum of Flight in Seattle is the home of the American Fighter Aces Association and holds their collections and archives. A new exhibit draws from this valuable resource to portray the World War II military experience of fighter ace Maj. James C. Stewart and fellow pilots in the famous 56th Fighter Group – acclaimed for having more aces than any other fighter group in the European Theater during the war. The exhibition of artifacts, photographs and videos will be displayed in the Museum’s Great Gallery through September.
“Aces of the 56th Fighter Group of World War II” features photographs and artifacts from Stewart’s personal collection, including his uniform, flight gear and survival equipment. The photos document his training at Randolph Field, Texas, and his flying experiences during combat missions over Germany. California-native Stewart was credited with 10 aerial combat victories. The exhibit also includes rare color World War II footage from “Zemke’s Way,” a 1999 New Jersey Public Television documentary about the fighter group.
For more information: www.museumofflight.org/exhibits/aces-56th-fighter-group-wwii
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