Rock Valley, Ia.—Robert C. McNelly, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. McNelly of Rock Valley, is to receive his silver pilot’s wings and officer’s bars soon at Pampa army air field, Pampa, Tex., the army’s twin engine advanced flying school. McNelly, a graduate of Rock Valley high school, attended Iowa State college and Simpson college. He received his primary flight training at Muskogee, Okla., and completed his basic training at Winfield, Kan.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, September 15, 1943
Finish Flight Training
These youths from the Sioux City territory were among many who stood in a long lines on the parking ramps of 11 advanced flying schools in the southwest last weekend to receive silver pilots wings in graduation ceremonies of the army air forces central flying training command, with head-quarters at Randolph field, Texas.
Pictured here, left to right, top row are Robert C. McNelly, Rock Valley, Iowa; Charles W. Stewart, West Point, Nebraska; Howard K. Hillman, Lennox, South Dakota; Russell K. Rohlfsen, LeMars, Iowa and bottom row, Paul J. Bird, Marcus, Iowa and Arnold J. Wiese, Lake Park, Iowa.
Others from this area receiving their wings included Kenneth E. Wigness, Harlan, Iowa; Verne L Douville, Chamberlain, South Dakota; Charles E. Griffiths, Jr., Groton, South Dakota; Arthur M. Roberts, Mitchell, South Dakota; Van B. Campbell, Sioux Falls; Talvin J. Roraus, Sioux Falls; Joseph L. Elwell, Springfield, South Dakota and Hubert E. Holcomb, Wessington Springs, South Dakota.
Source: Sioux City Journal, October 6, 1943 (photo included)
