Ralph Francis Stearley

Ralph Francis Stearley, CBE, (July 25, 1898 – February 3, 1973) was a United States Army and Air Force officer. He is best known as a general in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Stearly was born in Brazil, Indiana, in 1898. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the cavalry on November 1, 1918. He transferred to the Air Service in 1925 and commanded the IX Tactical Air Command during the last two months of the war in Europe, supporting the United States First Army during combat operations in Europe.

Education

After graduation, he remained at the academy until the following July, when he made a tour of battlefields in Europe. Upon his return to the United States in October 1919, he entered the Cavalry School at Fort Riley, Kansas, from which he graduated the following July.

Awards and commendations Distinguished Service MedalLegion of MeritBronze Star MedalAir MedalCommendation MedalOrder of the British Empire, Degree of Commander (CBE) HonoraryChevalier de la Légion d'honneur (France)Croix de Guerre avec Palme (France)Order of Leopold (Belgium)Croix de Guerre avec Palme (Belgium)Orde van Oranje-Nassau, Degree of Commander (The Netherlands) He was rated a command pilot, combat observer and aircraft observer.