HARRISBURG – Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) and State Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) honored 100-year-old Spring Grove resident Quentin Stambaugh in Harrisburg this week. Stambaugh, a staple of the Spring Grove community, honorably served our nation in World War II. After returning home from World War II, he worked at PH Gladfelter and later served as a magistrate in York County for 24 years.
“It was my honor to welcome Mr. Stambaugh to the House chamber to celebrate his life and service,” Grove said. “Mr. Stambaugh is a Pennsylvania-born American hero. We must never forget the sacrifices he and other members of the Greatest Generation made to keep America free during some of the world’s darkest hours.”
“The term hero is tossed around to explain everyday individuals who go above and beyond in their service and duty, but Mr. Stambaugh rises above them as part of the Greatest Generation,” Sen. Phillips-Hill said. “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Mr. Stambaugh and his fellow servicemen for their courage to defend our nation during one of our most challenging times during World War II. This week, we were able to recognize Mr. Stambaugh, and every day we are grateful for heroes like him who rose to the occasion to ensure America remained the world’s greatest superpower and force for good.”
Mr. Quentin Stambaugh was born in York County, the fifth of eight children in his family. After graduating from West York High School, he joined the U.S. military like many of the Greatest Generation. Stambaugh reported to then-Camp Meade on April 6, 1943, to begin basic training with the U.S. Army Air Corps. He then moved to Miami, Florida, to complete basic training, followed by Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for training as a radioman and mechanic. He later progressed to Yuma, Arizona, where he learned the skills necessary to operate a B-25 Mitchell Aircraft. Ultimately, Stambaugh deployed to the Pacific Theatre from Georgia, flying to California, then to Hawaii and eventually to a base in the Philippines.
Once he arrived in World War II’s Pacific Theater, Stambaugh flew in 38 combat missions. He was responsible for four enemy fighter takedowns and destroyed numerous enemy targets. For his heroic service, Mr. Stambaugh received an Expert Marksman Badge, the Presidential Unit Citation, and a personal letter to his parents from General George Kenney, Commander of the Allied Forces in the Southwest Pacific.
General Kenney’s letter was due to “Meritorious Achievement while participating in aerial flights in the Southwest Pacific from February 25, 1945, to March 30, 1945.” General Kenney said of those missions, “These flights included bomb missions against enemy installations, shipping, and supply.” He added, “hostile combat was probable and expected.” General Kenney said Quentin’s service “is a real and very tangible contribution to victory and to peace. I would like to tell you how genuinely proud I am to have men such as your son in my command, and how gratified I am to know that young Americans with such courage and resourcefulness are fighting our country’s battle against the aggression nations.”
In December 1945, Mr. Stambaugh was honorably discharged and moved home to York County, where he still lives to this day.
Watch Rep. Grove’s introduction of Mr. Stambaugh here.