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We just were notified that Stamford (Stan) Robertson of the 1st Air Commando Group passed away on January 2, 2008 at the age of 99.
Stan served in the U.S. Army from 1929 to 1933 in Panama where he learned to fly and also received his aircraft mechanics license. He returned to Connecticut after discharge and purchased a large tract of land on which to build an airport. Robertson Airport is still operational and Stan made his home on the field grounds until the end.
He reenlisted in the Army Air Corps when WWII started and was assigned to the China Burma India Theater where flew light aircraft with the 1st Air Commando Group. He was decorated with a Distinguished Flying Cross by the USAAF on July 25, 1944, and he also received a high decoration from Great Britain for his flying wounded British servicemen out of tight places in the Burmese jungle. Stam was given a special award by Sikorsky Aircraft for his participation in the first combat rescue using an R-4 Helicopter in Burma during WWII. He and another pilot flew top cover in Piper L-4's while the R-4 made several trips 60 miles into the jungle.
True to his service to his fellow man, his wishes were to have his body donated for medical study.
I've known Stam for many years and he was always there with the quickest jokes. A real hero and I will miss our monthly get together's at the Army Air Forces Roundtable.
God speed Stamford!
Jerry
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"Always remember that, when you enter the ocean or the forest, you are no longer at the top of the food chain."
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