Lt. Stallings was graduated from Grainger High School in 1935. He attended the Citadel in Charleston, S.C. and the University of North Carolina before enlisting in the National Guard. His group was called into service in 1940. He went to Trinidad, South America where he stayed 20 months. In 1942 he was transferred to the Army Air Corps and sent back to the states for training.

He received his commission and wings as an Aerial Navigator at Selma Field, Monroe, La., in June of 1944. Lt. Stallings was offered an instructors' job upon graduation but refused for overseas duty. He was assigned to a B-29 at Boca Raton Field, Florida, and served his country in the fine manner in which he was highly capable.

Lt. Stallings' commanding officer wrote home and said, "Harry's loyal devotion to duty at all times during his training and after graduation, his record and his ability were outstanding examples to the men who served with him. He was admired and respected by all the men with whom he was associated."

A friend who served with him said, "His was an unselfish life. He gave of the best he had to others - love, time, talent, energy. Whenever he found sorrow or people in need of help, he understood and tried to mitigate their suffering."

Lt. June "Bruce" Stallings, better known as "Skeeter," served his country as the pilot of a P-51 fighter plane in the European theatre of war from Jan. 1, 1945 to March 21, 1945 when he was killed in combat while strafing a German jet airbase in Germany and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Air Medal.

Bruce was graduated from Grainger High School in June of 1941 and attended North Carolina State College in Raleigh where he was a student in engineering. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps while in college and was called into active service in February 1943. Lt. Stallings received his wings at Craig Field, Ala., April 15, 1944, and was offered an instructors' job after receiving his commission. He refused for overseas duty.

Christmas Day, 1944, Bruce left Punta Gorda, Fla., and on Jan. 1, 1945, left the states for England with the 8th Air Force under General James Doolittle, Third Division, 38th Fighter Group.

Even while flying everyday in combat, he was thinking of others. He wrote home, not about himself, but of the suffering children of France and England who were without food, clothes or parents' care or protection. The last few months before leaving his station at Punta Gorda, he was closely identified with the Methodist Church and the Young People's work.

Questions out of letters from friends and the pastor there gave witness to the life he lived at Punta Gorda. "It seems so dreadful that the finest boys are taken away when the world needs them so much. Bruce has left a lovely memory in Punta Gorda and his influence for the good things in life will go on throughout the years."

From the pastor at Punta Gorda Methodist Church: "What I say I say for all the young people of our church who loved Bruce so. He was indeed an inspiration to us all. Bruce will ever be remembered by us as a fine Christian young man whose life was a benediction. We have bought an altar for the worship center with money given by Bruce. When the altar is completed we shall have on it a placard in memory of Bruce."

Lt. June B. Stallings' courageous devotion to duty and outstanding flying ability reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States and his superiors.