Wilmer Stapel served as a pilot with the 492nd Bomb Group (Pathfinders).

Captain Stapel while serving as a pilot of a C-47 airplane on a number of special operational missions over enemy territory, from 7 August to 19 September 1944, completed with preeminent success which was unprecedented in this theater. He expertly piloted the aircraft which was without armor, armament, or self-sealing tanks, deep into enemy-held territory. On these missions Capt. Stapel surmounted the hazards of night flying at extremely low altitudes, fighter attacks, and antiaircraft fire. Landings were skillfully accomplished on an improvised field in the face of numerous obstacles, including a short, unlevel runway and illumination only from flashlights.