Sources: Presentation by Jim Stoops and conversations with him as a chapter member. The above summary also appeared in the July/August 1993 issue of the chapter’s newsletter, “Briefing”. lda 3/22/16

James Stoops
B-17 Mobile Training Unit, 3rd Air Division, 8th Air Force, England

Another 8th Air Force Society Chapter member who served primarily on the ground was Jim Stoops. Although Jim initially wanted to serve in tanks, a recruiter persuaded him to sign up for the Army Air Force instead. After graduating from air mechanic’s school he was “volunteered’ as an Aircraft Engine Instructor. He taught stateside for a while before being shipped to England as part of a Mobile Training Unit (MTU) for the 3rd Air Division of the 8th. These MTUs went from base to base training pilots, co-pilots, flight engineers and ground crews on operating techniques and maintenance of B-17 systems. They also relayed the latest technical updates from the manufacturers, plus practical information and solutions to in-flight emergencies.

Jim spoke of traveling from one base to another with his MTU in a large English luxury car which someone had donated. He also often flew training missions with crews. Returning from one such mission a photographer was waiting on the ramp to photograph the crew. The flight crew encouraged Jim to join them for the picture as they piled in a jeep. He later learned the photo was published in newspapers and is in several books on the 8th Air Force.
Sources: Presentation by Jim Stoops and conversations with him as a chapter member. The above summary also appeared in the July/August 1993 issue of the chapter’s newsletter, “Briefing”.