Name/Title
Letter From Elisha "Smokey" Stover to Benjamin Stover Dated January 15, 1944Scope and Content
In this letter Elisha "Smokey" Stover comments on a recent movie that showed an example of Ben's Atlantic convoy duty, discusses how he successfully rejoined a fighter squadron, and the process of getting ready to see combat again. Smokey also talks about his 7,000th carrier landing aboard the Yorktown, how much he is enjoying the F6F Hellcat and is looking forward to seeing Ben's new daughter Angela.Context
Elisha Terrill "Smokey" Stover was a F4F Wildcat pilot with VF-8 on the USS Hornet (CV-8) and VF-5 aboard the USS Saratoga (CV-3) and later at Guadalcanal in 1942 where he downed 4 Japanese planes earning the Air Medal. Transferred aboard the USS Yorktown (CV-10) as a Fighter Director Officer in CIC in 1944, he appeared in scenes of "The Fighting Lady" and later returned to flight status with VF-5 when he was shot down over Truk Atoll on February 16, 1944.Collection
Smokey Stover CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2017.001Source or Donor
Daniel M. StoverAcquisition Method
GiftUpdate Date
October 13, 2026
