The Norman G. Stromer Collection documents Stromer’s military service as a pilot and engineer during and after World War II, as well as his post-military career with the Federal Aviation Association, through photographs, military records, and other textual materials, primarily dating between 1940-1960.
Series I. Military records consist of photographs, documents, certificates, and identification cards related to Stromer’s time in the United States Army Air Corps and Air Force. The majority of items range from his service beginning in 1942 through his retirement from the military in 1960. Textual materials make up the bulk of this series and include items such as military orders, Staff Sergeant and Flight Captain appointments, photocopies of Stromer’s official military photo (1960), personnel and retirement forms, three identification cards, and flight training and discharge certificates. Documents containing personal information, including social security numbers, have been redacted.
One notable document is a letter (August 1944) to Stromer’s mother acknowledging his meritorious achievement while participating in aerial bombing missions in the Southwest Pacific between March 13, 1944 and May 13, 1944. A letter of appreciation (October 1960) from the United States Air Force sent to Stromer at the time of his retirement is also present. The series also includes two general letters that accompanied two military yearbooks, The Black Pirates South West Pacific 1942-44 and The Jolly Rogers Southwest Pacific 1942-44, which are housed in the library.
There are three large documents including an Air Corps Training Center diploma, a United States Air Force certificate of retirement, and a Quiet Birdmen member certificate. Photographs range in size from 2.5x4'' to 8x10''. One military portrait of Stromer was originally stored in a frame with a photograph featuring Stomer’s wife. The original photo of Stromer is located in this series and the original of his wife is located in Series III. Both originals are accompanied by a photocopy of the two photos in the original frame.
Series II. Federal Aviation Administration Records consist of photographs, documents, certificates, and other textual materials, including a pilot log book related to Stromer’s time as a flight inspector, pilot, and engineer between 1961 and 1980. Textual materials make up the bulk of this series and include items related to Stromer’s training at the National Aircraft Accident Investigation School (1965) and the American Airlines B-747 Pilot and Flight Engineer Ratings training program (1971). The photographs and certificates in this series are related to these trainings. Of the three photographs, two measure 8x10'' and the third measures 5x7''. The two large photos both have “Federal Aviation Agency” stamped on the back. One is also dated February 19, 1965 and includes an attached typed list of names of those in the photograph. Other textual materials include FAA Airline Transport Pilot certification for multiengine landings (1971) and Flight Engineer certification for turbo-powered and reciprocating engine powered aircraft (1971).
Series III. Personal Records consist of photographs, identification cards, documents, and other textual materials, including pamphlets and passports related to Stromer’s personal life and philanthropy between 1922 and 2016. The series is predominantly made up of textual materials, including documents listing Norman and Camille Stromer Scholarship recipients, identification cards that belonged to Stromer’s wife, a notarized copy of Stromer’s birth certificate, and a notarized copy of the couple’s marriage certificate. Other textual materials include two passports, one issued in 1960 and the other in 1970. The passports may have been used for personal, military, and FAA-related travel.
The series includes one photo of Stromer as a child, measuring 3.5x5'', and another, of his wife, Camille, measuring 4x6". The photograph of Camille was originally stored in a frame with a separate military photograph of Stromer. The original photo of Camille is located in this series and the original of Stromer is located in Series II. Both originals are accompanied by a photocopy of the two photos in the original frame.
Series I. Military records consist of photographs, documents, certificates, and identification cards related to Stromer’s time in the United States Army Air Corps and Air Force. The majority of items range from his service beginning in 1942 through his retirement from the military in 1960. Textual materials make up the bulk of this series and include items such as military orders, Staff Sergeant and Flight Captain appointments, photocopies of Stromer’s official military photo (1960), personnel and retirement forms, three identification cards, and flight training and discharge certificates. Documents containing personal information, including social security numbers, have been redacted.
One notable document is a letter (August 1944) to Stromer’s mother acknowledging his meritorious achievement while participating in aerial bombing missions in the Southwest Pacific between March 13, 1944 and May 13, 1944. A letter of appreciation (October 1960) from the United States Air Force sent to Stromer at the time of his retirement is also present. The series also includes two general letters that accompanied two military yearbooks, The Black Pirates South West Pacific 1942-44 and The Jolly Rogers Southwest Pacific 1942-44, which are housed in the library.
There are three large documents including an Air Corps Training Center diploma, a United States Air Force certificate of retirement, and a Quiet Birdmen member certificate. Photographs range in size from 2.5x4'' to 8x10''. One military portrait of Stromer was originally stored in a frame with a photograph featuring Stomer’s wife. The original photo of Stromer is located in this series and the original of his wife is located in Series III. Both originals are accompanied by a photocopy of the two photos in the original frame.
Series II. Federal Aviation Administration Records consist of photographs, documents, certificates, and other textual materials, including a pilot log book related to Stromer’s time as a flight inspector, pilot, and engineer between 1961 and 1980. Textual materials make up the bulk of this series and include items related to Stromer’s training at the National Aircraft Accident Investigation School (1965) and the American Airlines B-747 Pilot and Flight Engineer Ratings training program (1971). The photographs and certificates in this series are related to these trainings. Of the three photographs, two measure 8x10'' and the third measures 5x7''. The two large photos both have “Federal Aviation Agency” stamped on the back. One is also dated February 19, 1965 and includes an attached typed list of names of those in the photograph. Other textual materials include FAA Airline Transport Pilot certification for multiengine landings (1971) and Flight Engineer certification for turbo-powered and reciprocating engine powered aircraft (1971).
Series III. Personal Records consist of photographs, identification cards, documents, and other textual materials, including pamphlets and passports related to Stromer’s personal life and philanthropy between 1922 and 2016. The series is predominantly made up of textual materials, including documents listing Norman and Camille Stromer Scholarship recipients, identification cards that belonged to Stromer’s wife, a notarized copy of Stromer’s birth certificate, and a notarized copy of the couple’s marriage certificate. Other textual materials include two passports, one issued in 1960 and the other in 1970. The passports may have been used for personal, military, and FAA-related travel.
The series includes one photo of Stromer as a child, measuring 3.5x5'', and another, of his wife, Camille, measuring 4x6". The photograph of Camille was originally stored in a frame with a separate military photograph of Stromer. The original photo of Camille is located in this series and the original of Stromer is located in Series II. Both originals are accompanied by a photocopy of the two photos in the original frame.
Dates
- 1922-2017
- Majority of material found within 1940-1960
Creator
- Stromer, Norman G., 1922-2019 (Person)
Language of Materials
All materials are in English.
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research and is accessible in the Dahlberg Research Center by appointment. For more information
contact us.
Conditions Governing Use
The Museum of Flight (TMOF) Archives is the owner of the physical materials in the archives and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. Written permission must be obtained from TMOF archives before any publication use. TMOF does not necessarily hold copyright to all of the materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from copyright owners. Consult repository for more details.
Extent
.22 Cubic Feet (1 half-width letter size document box; 1 oversize folder)
Overview
Major Norman George Stromer (1922-2019) was an Army Air Corps pilot who participated in bombing campaigns in the South West Pacific during World War II, served as part of the Military Air Transport Service (MATS), and worked as a fight inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This collection contains photographs, military records, certificates, and other textual materials documenting his military service, post-military career, and personal life, primarily dating from 1940-1960.
Biographical Note: Norman G. Stromer
Major Norman George Stromer (1922-2019) was an Army Air Corps pilot who participated in bombing campaigns in the South West Pacific during World War II, served as part of the Military Air Transport Service (MATS), and worked as a fight inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Stromer was born in Bassett, Nebraska on April 2, 1922 to Harry and Clara (née Willms) Stromer. He attended Bridgeport High School in Douglas County, Washington graduating in 1940. On October 30, 1940, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps at Fort Lewis, Washington. He completed his first solo flight on February 2, 1942 at Hancock College of Aeronautics in Santa Maria, California. On March 28, 1942, he completed Civil Elementary Flying School (Army), also at Hancock College of Aeronautics. Stromer went on to Luke Air Force Base (Arizona) where he completed aviation training with Class 42-H through the Air Corps Advanced Flying School. He was promoted to Staff Sargent Pilot (Fourth Tow Target Squadron) on August 27, 1942. On January 1, 1943, he was promoted from Staff Sergeant of the 4th Tow Target Squadron to the rank of Flight Officer of the Third Air Force.
While on active duty, Stromer flew 52 combat missions in the South West Pacific as part of the 400th Bombardment Squadron, 90th Bomb Group. He was cited for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial bombing missions in the Southwest Pacific between March 13, 1944 and May 13, 1944. He completed 425 hours of flight throughout the Pacific Theater during World War II. On March 25, 1944, he was commissioned to U.S. Army Air Forces.
From October to November 1952, he attended Air Force Service School at Palm Beach Air Force Base in Florida. There, he participated in flight training for the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II. He was promoted to Captain on January 26, 1954. From December 1956 to July 1957, Stromer participated in an aircraft maintenance officer course at the Air Force Service School at Chanute Air Force Base (Illinois). He was later assigned to the 20th Air Transport Squadron, Military Air Transport Service (MATS), at Dover Air Force Base (Delaware), an assignment he held for the remainder of his military career.
On October 31, 1960, Stromer was honorably discharged from the military with the rank of Major. Throughout his military career, he received a number of medals and awards. These included the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Occupation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the American Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, the Berlin Airlift Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
In 1960, Stromer began a twenty-year career with the Federal Aviation Administration. He worked as a test pilot and specialized in Boeing 737s and 747s. From January 11 to February 2, 1965, Stromer attended the National Aircraft Accident Investigation School in Oklahoma City (Oklahoma). On February 4, 1971 he became an FAA certified Airline Transport Pilot. On February 12, he completed the American Airlines B-747 Pilot and Flight Engineer Ratings training program in Fort Worth, Texas. In 1980, Stromer retired from the FAA.
On October 20, 1951, Stromer married Camille Robb in Pocahontas, Arkansas. The two later had a son, named Tom. In 2005, he provided Bellevue College with a scholarship endowment. He passed away on June 4, 2019, at the age of 97.
Biography derived from collection materials.
Stromer was born in Bassett, Nebraska on April 2, 1922 to Harry and Clara (née Willms) Stromer. He attended Bridgeport High School in Douglas County, Washington graduating in 1940. On October 30, 1940, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps at Fort Lewis, Washington. He completed his first solo flight on February 2, 1942 at Hancock College of Aeronautics in Santa Maria, California. On March 28, 1942, he completed Civil Elementary Flying School (Army), also at Hancock College of Aeronautics. Stromer went on to Luke Air Force Base (Arizona) where he completed aviation training with Class 42-H through the Air Corps Advanced Flying School. He was promoted to Staff Sargent Pilot (Fourth Tow Target Squadron) on August 27, 1942. On January 1, 1943, he was promoted from Staff Sergeant of the 4th Tow Target Squadron to the rank of Flight Officer of the Third Air Force.
While on active duty, Stromer flew 52 combat missions in the South West Pacific as part of the 400th Bombardment Squadron, 90th Bomb Group. He was cited for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial bombing missions in the Southwest Pacific between March 13, 1944 and May 13, 1944. He completed 425 hours of flight throughout the Pacific Theater during World War II. On March 25, 1944, he was commissioned to U.S. Army Air Forces.
From October to November 1952, he attended Air Force Service School at Palm Beach Air Force Base in Florida. There, he participated in flight training for the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II. He was promoted to Captain on January 26, 1954. From December 1956 to July 1957, Stromer participated in an aircraft maintenance officer course at the Air Force Service School at Chanute Air Force Base (Illinois). He was later assigned to the 20th Air Transport Squadron, Military Air Transport Service (MATS), at Dover Air Force Base (Delaware), an assignment he held for the remainder of his military career.
On October 31, 1960, Stromer was honorably discharged from the military with the rank of Major. Throughout his military career, he received a number of medals and awards. These included the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Occupation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the American Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, the Berlin Airlift Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
In 1960, Stromer began a twenty-year career with the Federal Aviation Administration. He worked as a test pilot and specialized in Boeing 737s and 747s. From January 11 to February 2, 1965, Stromer attended the National Aircraft Accident Investigation School in Oklahoma City (Oklahoma). On February 4, 1971 he became an FAA certified Airline Transport Pilot. On February 12, he completed the American Airlines B-747 Pilot and Flight Engineer Ratings training program in Fort Worth, Texas. In 1980, Stromer retired from the FAA.
On October 20, 1951, Stromer married Camille Robb in Pocahontas, Arkansas. The two later had a son, named Tom. In 2005, he provided Bellevue College with a scholarship endowment. He passed away on June 4, 2019, at the age of 97.
Biography derived from collection materials.
Chronology: Norman Stromer
- 1922 April 02
- Born in Bassett, Nebraska
- 1940
- Graduated from Bridgeport High School (Douglas County, Washington)
- 1940 October 30
- Enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps at Fort Lewis (Washington)
- 1942 February 12
- Completed first solo flight at Hancock College of Aeronautics (Santa Maria, California)
- 1942 March 28
- Completed Civil Elementary Flying School at Hancock College of Aeronautics
- 1942 August 27
- Completed Aviation Training at Air Corps Advanced Flying School at Luke Air Force Base (Maricopa County, Arizona)
- 1943 January 31
- Promoted from Staff Sergeant of the 4th Tow Target Squadron to Flight Officer of the Third Air Force
- 1944 March 13-1944 May 13
- Participated in aerial bombing missions in the Southwest Pacific
- 1944 March 25
- Commissioned to U.S. Army Air Forces
- 1951 October 20
- Married Camille Robb (Pocahontas, Arkansas)
- 1952 October-November
- Attended Air Force Service School at Palm Beach Air Force Base (Florida)
- 1954 January 26
- Promoted to Captain
- 1956 December-1957 July
- Attended Air Force Service School at Chanute Air Force Base (Champaign County, Illinois)
- 1960 October 31
- Honorably discharged with the rank of Major
- 1960
- Joined the Federal Aviation Administration
- 1965 January 11-February 19
- Attended the National Aircraft Accident Investigation School (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
- 1971 February 04
- Issued FAA Airline Transport Pilot certification for multiengine landings
- 1971 February 12
- Completed American Airlines B-747 Pilot and Flight Engineer Ratings training program (Fort Worth, Texas)
- Issued FAA Flight Engineer certification for turbo powered and reciprocating engine powered aircraft
- 1980
- Retired from the Federal Aviation Administration
- 2004 November 07
- Camille died
- 2005
- Established a scholarship endowment at Bellevue College (Bellevue, Washington)
- 2019 June 04
- Died (Bellevue, Washington)
Arrangement
No original order was present upon receipt of the collection. Based on the contents of the collection, it has been arranged into three series: I. Military Records II. Federal Aviation Administration Records III. Personal Records.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The collection was donated by the creator’s executor of estate.
Accruals
No further accruals are expected.
Existence and Location of Copies
Materials from this collection have been digitized and are available at The Museum of Flight Digital Collections.
Separated Materials
The following books have been separated from the archival component of this collection and are kept in the Library:
The following items have been separated from the archival component of this collection and are kept in Objects storage:
- Air Force: An Illustrated History, Zenith Press, 2008.
- Consolidated B-24 Bomber Pilot’s Flight Operation Instructions, 2006.
- “Luke Field,” Class 42-H, Phoenix Arizona Vol. 2, no. 34, Aviation Cadets of the Class 42-H.
- The Black Pirates South West Pacific 1942-44 , Printed by John Sands, 1944.
- The Jolly Rogers Southwest pacific 1942-44 , Printed by John Sands, 1944.
The following items have been separated from the archival component of this collection and are kept in Objects storage:
- AAF cloth map – Southwest Pacific Area
- airplane pin
- Norman G. Stromer Captain USAF felt and leatherette patch with senior pilot wing (2)
- U.S. Department of Transportation Certificate of Service wooden plaque
- WWII Eagle E. Pluribus Unum Air Force hat pin badge
- WWII Senior Pilot Wing USAF sterling tie pin back
- Airlift, Military
- American Airlines
- Bellevue College (Bellevue, Wash.)
- Boeing Model 737 Family
- Boeing Model 747 Family
- Douglas C-124 Globemaster II Family
- Flight engineers
- Flight training
- Hunter Field (Savannah, Ga.)
- Luke Air Force Base (Ariz.)
- Palm Beach Air Force Base (Fla.)
- Quiet Birdmen
- Stromer, Camille, 1923-2004
- Stromer, Norman G., 1922-2019
- Transport planes--Piloting
- United States. Air Force
- United States. Air Force Reserve
- United States. Air Force. Air Transport Squadron, 20th
- United States. Army Air Forces. Air Force, 5th
- United States. Army Air Forces. Bombardment Group, 90th
- United States. Army Air Forces. Bombardment Squadron, 400th
- United States. Army. Air Corps
- United States. Federal Aviation Administration
- World War, 1939-1945
- World War, 1939-1945 -- Campaigns -- Pacific Area
- business cards
- certificates
- correspondence
- identity cards
- logs (records)
- memorandums
- military records
- passports
- photographic prints
Creator
- Stromer, Norman G., 1922-2019 (Person)
- Title
- Guide to the Norman G. Stromer Collection
- Status
- Completed - Level 3
- Author
- J. Thompson
- Date
- 2020
- Description rules
- dacs
- Language of description
- English
- Sponsor
- Processing, cataloging and digitization of this collection was made possible by funding from the Stromer estate.
- Edition statement
- 1st edition
Repository Details
Part of the The Museum of Flight Archives Repository
Contact:
9404 East Marginal Way South
Seattle Washington 98108-4097
206-764-7874
curator@museumofflight.org
9404 East Marginal Way South
Seattle Washington 98108-4097
206-764-7874
curator@museumofflight.org