Walt Stockman

Walter “Walt” Stockman (b.July 31, 1898), became an American flying ace of World War I, credited with shooting down 12 enemy aircraft. He was born to Col. Leroy Stockman and Grace Allison White Stockman. His father was a noted South Carolina textiles manufacturer based in Charleston. Stockman attended Carlisle Military Academy (where he met Grinke and his cousin Pending becoming lifelong friends with both), and then the Citadel. Stockman enlisted in the United States Army in the autumn of 1917. He was sent to England to train with the [Royal Flying Corps], and was selected by the Canadian flying ace Billy Bishop to fly the S.E.5 with 85 Squadron over France. After claiming three destroyed and one 'out of control' with 85 Squadron, Stockman was shot down on 27 June 1918 by Lt. Josef Raesch of Jasta 43. After recovering from wounds received, he was reassigned to the U.S. Air Service's 148th Aero Squadron, flying the Sopwith Camel. On 3 August 1918, while escorting Airco DH.9 bombers, Stockman shot down three Fokker D.VII scouts in flames. On 22 August 1918 he attacked five Fokker DVIIs, shooting down one into a wood near Velu. He sent another enemy aircraft 'out of control'. On 22 August 1918 he engaged three Fokker DVIIs, and Stockman claimed two shot down, with one 'out of control'. By 24 September 1918 Stockman had claimed 10 victories destroyed, 2 shared destroyed and 4 driven down 'out of control'. He had shared three wins with such squadron mates as Lieutenants Henry Clay and Orville Ralston. Also about this time Stockman rose to command the 148th as it and the 17th Aero Squadron joined the 4th Pursuit Group.
Upon his return to the United States, Stockman did some barnstorming tours initially. He was also known for carousing, habits he picked up overseas in the War. He toured speakeasies, drank heavily, chased women, and hosted all-night parties. He regularly visited friends "with a five-gallon jug and a strange woman."
After a few years of this barnstorming lifestyle,Stockman decided not to return to his natire South Carolina, but rather to settle in Portland, ME, where he wrote books, short stories, and articles. Many of these were about his experiences in combat aviation and most were published under the pseudonym “Jack Springswell.” He currently uses his expertise to run a seemingly lucrative charter flight business specializing in fishing, camping,and wilderness survival techniques. He is an expert in flying in difficult conditions. There were always nod and wink rumors of smuggling – but they played well in Maine’s suspicions of government taxes and general resistance to prohibition laws. He seems to have been able to save up enough of a nest egg, perhaps from his success as an author, perhaps from smuggling, so as not to be hurt by the depression. His generous nature stands him in good stead with friends and neighbors. He always seems to be ready to help out with a buck, a bag of supplies, or a helping hand.
Grinke and Stockman had come together a few months before Grinke’s trip to South America over the mysterious death of Pending and had both thougth to begin looking into that when given the chance.