Norman James Stewart was born on August 7, 1925, in Oakland County, Michigan. He was the son of Foster Stewart. After graduating from Farmington High School in June 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Following training, Stewart earned his gunner’s wings and was sent overseas in July 1944 to serve with the 8th Army Air Force, 445th Bomb Group, 701st Squadron in England. Promoted to sergeant and became a tail gunner on the B-24 #42-94863 ''Ole Baldy.''

On September 27, 1944, the crew of the B-24 Ole Baldy of the 445th Bomb Group took part in a major Allied mission to bomb armored vehicle factories in Kassel, Germany. Heavy cloud cover and a navigational error caused their group to veer off course, mistakenly bombing farmland near Göttingen. Separated from the main formation and without fighter escort, they were left dangerously exposed on the return flight to England. German Luftwaffe fighters soon intercepted the isolated bombers, attacking from below where the aircraft were most vulnerable, especially because the ball turrets had been removed to carry additional bombs. The assault tore through the formation, destroying many aircraft and leaving only four B-24s able to return to England. Ole Baldy suffered severe damage during the attack, losing multiple engines and critical systems, including communications. With the aircraft failing and unable to stay aloft, the crew was forced to abandon the plane. Despite the chaos and danger, most of the men successfully parachuted to the ground, where they were captured and became prisoners of war.

Sgt Stewart, however, was badly shaken and disoriented. When the order to abandon the aircraft was given, fellow crewmen had to push him from the plane to ensure his escape. Tragically, his parachute never opened, and he was later found dead in a field. He is now buried in the Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial, Épinal, Département des Vosges, Lorraine, France.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, nhdsilentheroes.org, weremember.abmc.gov