Joseph J. Stepan
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
Joseph J. Stepan was inducted into the Army Air Corps December 13, 1943, at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, Home at entry: Chisholm, Minnesota.
He served as Sergeant, aircraft armorer, and gunner on B-24 Liberator bombers in Rhineland and Central Europe.
Mr. Stepan shared the following: "Flew 10 combat missions overseas, saw some of the first ME 212 German jet fighters on one mission. We dropped some of the first jellied gasoline bombs. Our crew flew in an older but good bomber. The first plane over the beaches was from our group: the 'Red Ass,' which was renamed for the news."
He was awarded the following: Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze battle stars, World War II Victory Medal, Air Crew Member Badge.
Mr. Stepan was honorably discharged March 22, 1946.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The Saint Louis County World War II Project, 306.
