Maj. Gen. Stanley F.H. Newman (Ret.)

Born in Chicago, Il, on August 16, 1923, Newman was one of those American boys who rushed to enlist in 1942 following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He graduated from pilot training on March 19, 1944. He flew 57, P-51 combat missions while serving in the Ninth Air Force in Europe.

On Nov. 1, 2020 Newman was guest of honor at OU Hillel’s second annual Military Shabbat where he discussed his career.

On the last day of World War II, American and German aircraft were in the air. He and his wingman were attacked by German planes. Newman forced down two enemy planes and shot down another.

In an interview at Hillel and covered by the Norman Transcript, he said, “I got on the tail of this guy, and he was rolling back and forth.”

Newman said, “I really didn’t want to shoot him down. We knew it was the last day of the war. But then I saw a bunch of tracers off by where the other two were. I fired a couple of shots over him but still didn’t try to hit him. He headed on down and I followed him shooting a few more. When I came around, he was out of the cockpit shaking his fist. I could have killed him really easily, but I’m glad I didn’t.”

During the Korean War, he and the 185th Fighter Squadron, Oklahoma Air National Guard, were recalled to active duty. Newman flew 100 combat missions in Korea. At the end of the war in 1956, he was appointed as Operations officer of the 185th, and progressed to Squadron Commander and Wing Commander.

In all, he flew in three wars: combat in World War II and Korea, and transport during Vietnam when he flew cargo missions. Newman retired as a Major General in 1983.

In an interview in later years, Newman said that until World War II ended, he did not know about the Holocaust.

Newman was a graduate of the University of Illinois and numerous Air Force Service schools, including Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government Executive Program in National and International Security.

He was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Meritorious Service Medal and 14 Air Medals plus multiple other medals. In 2013, the French Consul for Oklahoma came to Oklahoma City and presented Newman with the Medal of Chevalier, Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honor. His award was for flying close air support over the French 1st Army in 1945.

Newman was inducted into the Air and Space Hall of Fame and into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame. His photograph and biography can be found in the military kiosk of the Oklahoma Science Museum; and much of his memorabilia, including one of the fighters he flew, is located at the 45th Infantry Museum.

Newman was preceded in death by his parents, Michael & Florence Maer Newman; and his beloved wife of 66 years, Harriette, who taught him how to love chocolate and other things.

Survivors include: his son, Col. George Newman (Audree); his daughters, Marsha Greiner (John) and Linda Steer (Dee); grandchildren Laura Burdette (Jon); Melissa Steer Koon (Kevin); Michael Steer (Vanessa); and 7 great-grandchildren: Jarah Burdette, Sarah Grace Burdette, Cayden Koon, Chloe Leigh Koon, Makayla Steer, Camilla Steer, and Addison Steer. Also survived by nieces and nephew Jean Sachs (Harry Nygard), Robin Sachs, and George Sachs, and numerous cousins and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation; The Newman Fund of Temple B’nai Israel; or the charity of one’s choice.

A man of great strength, moral courage, and great compassion, he was grateful for his many blessings and humbly gave credit to others for many of his accomplishments. Our dad will live in our hearts forever.

Roger, wilco; over and out!

A Graveside service will be held at Temple B'Nai Israel Cemetery, Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Temple B'Nai Israel, 4901 N Pennsylvania Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. Arrangements are under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors.