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Born in Gilson, Illinois (IL), USA on Friday, July 31, 1914
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Education: He attended Bradley Polytechnic Institute for two years before joining the Royal Canadian Air Force.
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Military Service: Before America's entry into World War II, he served withe Path Finding Force in England and received both the British Distinguished Flying Cross and the Distinguished Service Order for his outstanding service in heavy bomber missions over Germany.
During his US combat service, Lt. Stickell conducted search and reconnaissance missions during the Gilberts-Marshalls campaign. His skill and ability contributed to the destruction of three enemy planes, the sinking of an enemy boat and possibly of a cargo vessel. For the two actions in which these events occurred, Lt. Stickell was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal
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Died in Mariana Islands, Southeast of Japan on Sunday, December 19, 1943 (Age 29)
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Cemetery: Gilson Cemetery in Gilson, Knox Co., Illinois (IL), USA
Plot: Next to his parents
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Cause of Death: Lt. Stickell volunteered for a hazardous, two-plane bombing strike on 13 December 1943 against an underground oil storage tank located on Jabor at Jaluit Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Seriously wounded by antiaircraft fire during the tree-top level approach, Lt. Stickell ignored his wounds and singlemindedly pursued his mission. His plane scored a direct hit on the target; but upon commencing the return flight, he was forced to relinquish the control of the plane to his copilot. Preferring to risk his own life and suffer pain rather than risk the safety of his crew and plane, Lt. Stickell ordered his co-pilot to pass up the dangerously narrow airstrip at Tarawa and head for a safer field over 400 miles away. Lt. Stickell died of his wounds six days later. For his gallantry and selfless sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.
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