Kermit D. Stevens was a member of the original cadre sent to England in World War II to organize the Eighth Air Force. He established the almost legendary reputation of the 303rd Bomb Group (H), the famous "Hells Angels." As commander of this B-17 unit, he completed 31 combat missions, including the historic Aug 17, 1943 raid over Schweinfurt, Germany. Other missions included the initial raids on Hamburg, Bremen, Berlin, Cologne, and Wilhelmshaven.

A native of Roseburg, Oregon, he received his B.S. degree in economics from the University of Oregon. In 1935 he entered flying training at Randolph, receiving his wings and commission a year later at Kelly Field, Tex. He was then assigned to the 90th Attack Squadron, becoming its commander in 1940. After completing his combat tour in Europe, he held assignments as commander of Fairchild AFB, Washington; Professor of Air Science at the University of Minnesota, and Vice Commander of the Thirteenth Air Force at Clark Field, Philippines.

In addition to the Legion of Merit, his decorations include the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Distinguished Unit Citation. He has also been awarded the British Distinguished Flying Cross and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm.

He retired from the United States Air Force on February 1, 1964. Kermit died on November 21, 2004.

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