[Stanley W. “Swede” Vejtasa oral history interview (Part 1 of 2)]

In this two-part oral history, fighter ace Stanley W. “Swede” Vejtasa discusses his military service with the United States Navy during World War II. In part one, he describes his wartime experiences as a naval aviator, including his time with Scouting Squadron 5 (VS-5) aboard the Yorktown (CV-10) and with Fighting Squadron 10 (VF-10) aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6). Topics discussed include his training and service history, his participation in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands and the Guadalcanal campaign, and stories about fellow servicemen.

The interview is conducted by fellow fighter ace Eugene A. Valencia.

Stanley W. “Swede” Vejtasa was born on July 27, 1914 near Circle, Montana. He joined the United States Navy in 1938 and graduated from flight training the following year. Stationed aboard the USS Yorktown (CV-5), Vejtasa served as a dive-bomber pilot for Scouting Squadron 5 (VS-5). After the Pearl Harbor attack, the Yorktown was deployed to the Pacific Theater, where Vejtasa participated in the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, and other actions. He returned briefly to the United States in May 1942 and redeployed for a second tour, this time as a member of Fighting Squadron 10 (VF-10) aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6). After the conclusion of his second cruise in 1943, Vejtasa served as a flight instructor at Naval Air Station Atlantic City (New Jersey), then as skipper of Fighting Squadron 97 (VF-97). He remained in the military after the end of World War II and went on to serve as air officer aboard the USS Essex (CV-9) during the Korean War. He later commanded the USS Firedrake (AE-14) and USS Constellation (CV-64) and served as Commander Fleet Air, Miramar. He retired as a captain in 1970 and passed away in 2013.