Early Life and Education
Ernest Gilbert Swart was born on June 11, 1919, near Seneca, Kansas, the son of George and Grace Swart. In 1929, the Swart family relocated to Gove County, where Ernest completed his education. He graduated from Grinnell Rural High School in 1937. Before enlisting, he worked on the family farm and in implement sales service, contributing to the rural economy and supporting his family.
Answering the Call to Service
On February 24, 1941, Ernest became one of the first draftees from Gove County, joining others across the nation in response to the escalating global tensions. His initial training was with the 35th Infantry Division, specifically Anti-Tank Company, 137th Infantry, at Camp Robinson, Arkansas, followed by motor maintenance training at Fort Benning, Georgia.
During a brief furlough in October 1941, he returned home looking sharp in his army uniform, having already earned medals that hinted at his ambition and performance. He expressed enjoyment in his role and pride in serving his country.
Transition to the Army Air Forces
Recognizing his potential and seeking a more advanced role, Ernest transferred to the U.S. Army Air Forces on December 16, 1942. He began pre-flight training at Santa Ana, advanced training in Ontario, and eventually earned his pilot’s wings and a commission as Second Lieutenant at Stockton Field, California, on November 3, 1943.
He continued advanced bomber training at Kirkland Field (Albuquerque, NM) and Muroc Field (California), where he was assigned a B-24 Liberator and formed his flight crew.
Letters from the Front
In a July 1943 letter to the Oakley Graphic, Ernest described his experiences in flight school. He logged 65 hours of primary training without incident, earning the Gold Star of the school. Ernest also shared his enthusiasm for the morale-boosting entertainment, such as live broadcasts featuring musicians from Glen Miller, Tommy Dorsey, and Harry James’ orchestras.
Deployment to the Pacific Theater
On June 3, 1944, Lt. Swart was deployed to the China-Burma-India Theater, where he served as a B-24 pilot with the 14th Air Force, part of the famed Flying Tigers under General Chennault. His mission: fly perilous transport and bombing runs over the Himalayas—an air route nicknamed “The Hump” due to its extreme danger.
Flying at high altitudes with heavy loads of fuel and supplies, his missions were conducted by instruments only, with tight fuel margins and frequent mechanical failures. Still, Ernest and his crew completed more than three-fourths of their required missions.
Final Mission and Sacrifice
On January 18, 1945, Lt. Ernest Swart piloted a combat mission over occupied China with a new crew on their first flight. On the return leg, two engines failed, and the crew was forced to abandon the aircraft. Ernest, ensuring his crew’s safety first, was the last to bail out. Unfortunately, he jumped too low for his parachute to fully deploy, and was killed on impact. His ten crew members survived and later buried him with help from the Chinese people.
His squadron later praised him in a heartfelt letter, calling him “one of the best pilots in the squadron” and remembering his leadership and valor. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for heroic action on August 29, 1944, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, in addition to the Purple Heart.
Homefront Mourning and Honors
News of Ernest’s death reached his family in early February 1945, just days after being reported missing. He was only 25 years old. A respected member of the community and a beloved brother, he was mourned by a large extended family, including his sister Captain Dorothy Swart, who served with the WACs in England, and relatives throughout Nemaha, Gove, and surrounding counties.
A funeral service with full military honors was held on May 1, 1949, at the Oneida Methodist Church. The service included tributes from Rev. Steve Parker, a former army chaplain, and Rev. Onan Yale, Ernest’s high school classmate. Veterans’ groups from Oneida, Goff, and Seneca participated, and Oakley Legion provided pallbearers.
Legacy
Ernest Swart’s life is remembered for its bravery, humility, and selfless dedication. His letters home revealed a man of strong values, a sense of humor, and a deep love for family and country. He gave his life so others could return home, and his legacy continues to inspire those who learn about his story.
SOURCES
The Oakley Graphic (Oakley, KS)
28 Feb 1941
Ernest Swart was one of the Gove County men who left Monday night for military training camp.
Grinnell Record Leader (Grinnell, KS)
16 Oct 1941
Our local draftees, who left almost a year ago to do their part for National Defense, are home on a furlough from Camp Robinson, Ark. Ernest Swart and Robert Hilb[h]eb are two of our draftees home looking just perfectly handsome in their army uniforms. Ernest and Bob both like their jobs with Uncle Sam. Medals on both boys show that they don’t intend to still be buck privates 18 months from now.
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Courier Tribune
25 Dec 1941
Christmas in the Heart
Mrs. George Gilkerson, Oneida, with her daughter, Mrs. Bernice McDonald at 2400 West 13th Little Rock, Ark, writes “I am here with my daughter and am always glad to get the Courier to see what has happened at home and feel all folks in Nemaha are friends. When I see a car with a Kansas tag on I wonder if its anyone I know. I have been here since August. Bernice is going to business school to brush up on her typing and shorthand, expecting to work, I have a grandson in this war, Ernest Swart. He is in Fort Benning at present, going to a motor maintenance school. Camp Robinson sent him there last Thanksgiving.” Mrs. Gilkerson sends the Courier to her children, Mr. and Mrs. George Swart and Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Gilkerson, Oakley, for Christmas gifts.
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Grinnell Record LEader
31 Dec 1942
Cpl. Ernest Swart will receive the Record-Leader as a gift from some one in this community. The name of the donor is not known, but we’l be glad to learn who is sending this paper and we are certain Ernest will appreciate the gift. His address is
Cpl. Ernest Swart 37002828
AT Co. 137 Inf.
A.P.O. NO. 35
Los, Angeles, California
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The Oakley Graphic (Oakley, KS)
8 Jan 1943
Word comes from Ernest Swart that he has joined the U.S. Army Air Forces. He is a Cadet Lieutenant. His address is
Ernest G. Swart
37002828
S.A.A.A.B.
Santa Anna, Calif.
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Oakley Graphic (Oakley, KS)
9 Jul 1943
The Oakley Graphic
Oakley, Kansas
Every time I move, my paper gets behind and I begin to miss it so I again have to take out a minute of a crowded day to write a letter. the paper is most enjoyed. It seems the part I enjoy most is the letters form the rest of the boys.
This time my stop is at a basic flight school. We have just got organized here and started to ground school. I got an hour up yesterday and from now on will be pretty steady time. A great lot of difference between these and the primaries. I got in sixty-five hours in primary at the Cal. Aero Flight Academy. Was lucky to have no accidents and receive the Gold Star of the school. I will be satisfied to get through here and advance without mentioning awards. The tough grind lies ahead, and we all now it.
Our post is excellent but rater out away from the city. We do have a swell orchestra which plays on a broadcast and dance for us each Thursday in Taft. The orchestra is composed of the main orchestras of the country, including Glen Miller’s Tommy DOrsey’s Harry James’ and others. I mean men from these. In case any of you would like to hear it, listen to the Blue Network on Thursday evenings at 9:30 P.W.T. I’ll be there.
Must close for now. Will be looking forward for the paper.
Thanks
Yours Truly,
Ernest Swart
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Courier Tribune
18 May 1944
Ernest Swart, son of geo. Swart, Oakley, Kans., is a pilot on a liberator. He expected to go across and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Swart went to California to see him, driving his car home. Orders were changed, however, and he was given a 20 day leave to visit home and he is now at Oakley. Miss Dorothy Swart, a daughter with WACS in England, was made a captain last March. She cabled Mother’s Day greeting to her parents.
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Oakley Graphic (Oakley, KS)
7 Jul 1944
Miss Ethel Swart received a letter from her brother, Lt. Ernest Swart saying they had landed in India. The weather reminded him of western Kansas in 1935.
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Oakley Graphic (Oakley, KS)
9 Feb 1945
Lt. Ernest Swart Missing in Action
Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Swart received word Wednesday morning from the Adjutant General’s office that their son, 1st Lt. Ernest Swart had been missing in action in the China area, since January 18. Lt. Swart was a pilot in the China-Burma-India theatre of operations and had completed his missions on transport duty “over the hump,” and it is presumed he was on combat duty. He had been in this section since last June.
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Courier Tribune
12 Feb 1945
Henry Swart has received word from Geo. Swart of Oakley, Kans., that Ernest Swart, son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Swart is missing in action. Earnest was born on the Swart farm in Head District.
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The Grinnell Record-Leader (Grinnel, KS)
15 Feb 1945
Lt. Ernest Swart Is Now Reported Killed in Action
Died on Day He Was Reported Missing in China Jan. 18
The cost of war in human lives has once again been brought home to the people of this community and especially to the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Swart of Grinnell, who were advised by telegram Saturday, February 10th from the War Department that their son 1/Lt. Ernest G. Swart had been killed in action on January 18th the date he was reported missing in action. On February 7th word was received by the family that 1/Lt. Swart was missing in China.
Lieutenant Swart was serving as first pilot on a B-24 bomber witht he 14th Air Force in China. His crew had made many trips over the “Hump” and across the Himalaya mountains which is considered the world’s most dangerous territory for planes Heavily loaded with gas and supplies these bombers made their trips across this stretch and these were the hard trips, according to letters written home by Lt. Swart, As they made their trips, flying with only the aid of their instruments and with small margins of gas when returning, the hazardous trips were made, one after another until Ernest’s crew had completed more than three-fourths of their missions in this territory. The bomb trips which made up about the same number, were considered the easier of the trips.
Lt. Swart left on June 3, 1944 for overseas duty and had served fro the base in China since arriving there. He received his commission as First Lieutenant on August 1, 1944 while on overseas duty. He entered service on February 24, 1941 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and received training in the Anti Tank Co., 137th Infantry, 35th Division at Camp Robinson, Arkansas the first nine months of his military career. the next three months he spent in Motor Maintenance School at Fort Benning Georgia, moving then to fields at San Francisco and Long Beach, Calif where he took further training.
Then he transferred to the Air Corps on December 16, 1942. He took his preflight training at Santa Ana, his advanced training at Ontario, Calif., and received his wings and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant at Stockton Field, California, on November 3, 143. He was then given a 15 day furlough which he spent at home. When he returned form the furlough he was assigned to Kirkland Field, Albuquerque, New Mexico where he was assigned to the ship he was to fly, a B-24 Bomber. From there he was sent to Muroe Field, Calif., where he was assigned his crew and took his advanced flight training.
Ernest Gilbert Swart was born June 11, 1919 at Seneca, Kansas. He attended grade school in Nemaha and Gove Counties and was graduated form Grinnell rural High School with the class of 1937. Prior to entering the Army he was engaged in farming and implement sales service.
He was initiated into the Grinnell A.F. & A.M. Lodge No. 444 on May 5, 1944.
He is survived by his parents
(Continued on back page)
Lt. Ernest Swart is Killed in Action
(Continued from front page)
Mr. and Mrs. George Swart, his brothers, Wilbert, Alfred, John and Lloyd; his sisters, Oura Lee, Jessie, Bettie, Ethyl and Gladys all of the Grinnell community and his sister, Captain Dorothy Swart, who is now serving with the U.S. WAC’s somewhere in England.
In letters written to home folks, Lt. Swart had told of his successful missions having reached the three fourths mark in number of those required to start the homeward journey. He also told of having helped another crew to take off on their homeward journey, their missions completed. At the time one letter of January 16th was written, he told that there was only one older crew than his own, and this crew was waiting replacements before they cold leave for their trip tot he U.S. and this was the journey Ernest and his crew were eagerly anticipating, until the fatal accident which cost his life and the details of which will not be known immediately.
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Courier tribune
15 Feb 1945
Lt. Ernest Swart, Oakley, Killed in Action over China
Mr. and Mrs. George Swart, Oakley, Kans., received word Tuesday that their son, Lt. Ernest Swart, was killed in action over China on January 18th, four days after he was reported as missing. He was a pilot of a B-24 and was 25 years old. He was born on the Swart farm now occupied by Frank Wilhelm, the family moving to Oakley in 1928. He is survived by his parents, several brothers and sisters. A sister, Capt. Dorothy Swart, was one of the first WAC’s to go overseas and is stationed in England. Ernest had been overseas about six months and had completed three-fourths of his missions. He had been shot down three times previously. Miss Wanda Swart, a cousin, had a letter from Lieut. Swart, written January 14th, four days before he was fatally injured. Beside the members of his immediate family he leaves his grandmothers, Mrs. Louise Swart, now in Donna, Texas, and Mrs. Grace Gilkerson, who is with her daughter and family at Oakley. He is not married.
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Courier Tribune
19 Feb 1945
Mrs. Louise Swart, in Donna, Texas, with her daughter, Mrs. Thomas P. Johnstone, has six grandsons, a granddaughter and a grand-son-in-law in the service. Lt. Ernest Swart, Oakley, Kan., whose death was recently reported, is a grandson.
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The Sabetha Herald
21 Feb 1945
Page 1
Killed in Action
Mr. and Mrs. George Swart, Oakley, Kansas, received word that their son, Ernest Gilbert Swart, was killed in action over China. Lt. Swart entered the service in 1941 and had a solid military record. He was a B-24 pilot with the 14th Air Force operating in the China Theater and was reported missing in action January 18. Last Saturday his family received word he had been killed that same day.
Lt. Swart is a brother of Miss Dorothy Swart, who is with the WAC in England, and of Mrs. Gene Grooms who with her daughter and family now live in Sabetha. Lt. Swart was well known here and in Goff where the family formerly resided. The Swart family has many relatives in this area.
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The Grinnell Record-Leader (Grinnell, KS)
8 March 1945
News of Our Men and Women in Uniform
The following letter was received by Mr. and Mrs. George M. Swart of Grinnell from three members of the crew of their son, Lt. Ernest Swart. The letter explains that Swart lost his life while returning from a mission over occupied China:
China
Friday, Feb. 16, 1945
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Swart
We are sorry that we have waited so long to write this letter but we wished to get all the information possible concerning Ernie’s death.
On January 18th he was on a mission into occupied China, flying first Pilot with a new crew on their first mission. About an hour from our base on the return trip from the target several other planes heard Ernie call on the radio and say that two of his engines were out and they were all leaving the plane. They were losing altitude very rapidly and Ernie being the last one to leave the plane, was too close to the ground for his parachute to open completely when he did jump.
We wish to express our deepest sympathy. If we may be of any assistance at all, please feel free to get in touch with us.
The other ten members of the crew landed safely. The next day they found and buried his body with the assistance of the Chinese.
Lieutenant Swart was considered one of the best pilots in the squadron and was liked by everyone. We, who have flown with him for the last year, have nothing but the highest praise for him.
As you probably know by now, he was awarded the Silver Star for the wonderful job he did last August 29th when we were all with him.
Very Sincerely,
J. T. O’Neal, Jr.
Orville Miller, JR.
Edward J. Napior
Co-Pilot, Navigator, Bombardier
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Oakley Graphic (Oakley, KS0
14 Sept 1945
Posthumous Awards to 1st. Lt. Swart Received
Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Swart recently received the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, representing an additional award of the Air Medal having been posthumously awarded their son, First Lieutenant Ernest G. Swart, Air Corps. They had previously received the Purple Heart. The Silver Star was awarded for gallantry in action on Aug. 29, 1944; the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement in Aerial Flying form July 5 to Nov. 11, 1944 (200 or more hours of combat flight etc.); Air Medal, for meritorious achievement form July 5 to Sept. 16, 1944 (100 or more hours of flight, etc.); Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal, for meritorious achievement as pilot form July 5 to Jan. 14, 1945 (300 or more hours, etc.)
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Courier Tribune
2 May 1949
Service at Oneida for Lieutenant Ernest Swart
With family and friends and many servicemen gathered to pay their respect, funeral service was held yesterday at the Oneida Methodist church for Lieutenant Ernest G. Swart, who gave his life for his country. It was a simple service but the kind the soldier would have liked.
The Rev. Steve Parker, Seneca, who was long and army chaplain, called attention that Lieutenant Swart had given his life for the Christian principles that have become what we term the American way of life; that those who live must carry on such principles that those who gave their lives shall not have done so in vain.
Fitting too, were the remarks of Rev. Onan Yale, for he was a member of Ernest Swart’s high school class when they were boys together in high school at Grinnell, Kansas.
The old songs by Oneida singes, the full military honors at the grave, the beauty of the day after a storm had cleared, the profusion of flowers, all added to the service.
An obituary read by Rev. Yale follows
Ernest Gilbert Swart, son of Mr. and Mrs. George M. Swart, was born June 1, 1919, near Seneca, Kansas, and gave his live in action over China Jan 18, 1945.
He moved to Gove county with his parents and the rest of the family in 1929. He attended grade school in Nemaha and Gove counties, graduating from Grinnell high school in 1937. Then he helped on the farm, also did implement sales work until entering the service of his country as one of the first draftees of Gove county on Feb. 24, 1941. He was assigned to the 35th division and took basic training at Camp Robinson Ark. and Fort Bennington, Ga. He transferred to the air corps in 1942, and received his wings at Stockton Field, Calif., Nov 3, 1943. After further training he was assigned to a B-24 bomber. On June 3, 12944 he was sent to overseas duty in China. He with his crew, became a part of the famous Flying Tigers under General Chenault. He soon became a first lieutenant. He lost his life while returning from a bombing mission with a new crew. They were forced to parachute out, due to a disabled plane, when only an hour’s flight form their home base. He was the only casualty.
Ernest attend the Methodist church at Grinnell. HE was initiated into the Grinnell lodge of A.F. & A.M. on May 5, 1944.
He is survived by his parents, brothers, Wilbert, Alfred, John, Loyd and Oura Lee; sisters, Jessie, who is Mrs. A. G. Park, and Gladys, both of Oakley, Bettie who is Mrs. Allan Burns, Dallas Texas; and Ethel, of Lawrence, Kan. There are three brother-in-law, two sisters-in-law, seven nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Oneida and Goff service posts and a Seneca representation join in conducting the military services yesterday. Oakley Legion sent the pallbearers. They were Don Schuman, Royce Teeters, Clarence Hays, Louis Medlin, LeRoy Nelson and Richard Mather.
Relatives from a distance who were here for the service included Mr. and Mrs. George m. Swart, Gladys, John, Loud, Oura Lee and three other of the family from Oakley Mr and Mrs Wilbert Swart, Mr and Mrs. Alfred Swart, Mr and Mrs Leonard Swart, Mrs J J McDonald, Donald McDonald, Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Park, Mrs. T. P. Johnstone and Glenn Johnstone from Donna Texas; Miss Ethel Swart of Lawrence, Kans., Bill McDonald, Manhattan, Mr. and Mrs. Max Krummel and Linda Kay, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Debus, Belleville, Ks., Mrs. Jeanette B[on]n and baby and Robert Duncan Kansas City Ks., Mrs Ed Gilkerson and Miss Nellie Gilkerson, St. Joseph.
Among the friends form a distance were Mr and Mrs R. H. Thomas of Kansas City, Ralph Med[li]n, Don Hall, Noah Frazier and Neil Schwietzer of Oakley, Mr. and Mrs John Bo[rah], Mrs. D. J. H[omsd]ale, Harvey Weinhardt and Leonard Samdon of Grinnell and Rev Onan Yale, Enid, Okla.
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ChatGPT Narrative
Ernest Gilbert Swart’s story is one of dedication, courage, and ultimate sacrifice during a pivotal time in history. Born on June 11, 1919, near Seneca, Kansas, Ernest was raised in a family deeply rooted in American values, which would later guide his service to the nation. He moved with his family to Gove County in 1929, where he completed his education, graduating from Grinnell High School in 1937. Following his schooling, Ernest worked on the family farm and in implement sales, but the looming threat of global conflict would soon call him to greater responsibilities.
On February 24, 1941, Ernest Swart answered the nation’s call by becoming one of the first draftees from Gove County. His early military career saw him assigned to the 35th Division, where he underwent rigorous training at Camp Robinson, Arkansas, and Fort Benning, Georgia. His commitment and skill quickly became apparent, leading to a transfer to the Air Corps in December 1942. By November 3, 1943, he had earned his wings at Stockton Field, California, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.
Ernest’s journey took him across the country for various stages of training before he was assigned to a B-24 bomber as a pilot. By June 3, 1944, he was stationed overseas in China, becoming part of the illustrious Flying Tigers under General Chennault. It was here, in the challenging theater of the China-Burma-India campaign, that Ernest’s bravery shone brightest. He flew numerous perilous missions over “The Hump,” the treacherous Himalayan route known for its deadly conditions. His efforts were recognized with several commendations, including the Silver Star for gallantry, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster.
Tragically, Ernest’s life was cut short on January 18, 1945, during a mission over occupied China. Piloting a B-24 bomber, Ernest faced catastrophic engine failure. Despite his best efforts to save his crew, the plane lost altitude rapidly, and Ernest was the last to bail out. His parachute failed to fully deploy due to the low altitude, resulting in his death, while the other ten crew members survived. His sacrifice was deeply felt by his family, community, and the nation he served so valiantly.
Posthumously, Ernest Swart was awarded several honors, including the Purple Heart. His memory was honored in a funeral service at the Oneida Methodist Church in 1949, attended by family, friends, and servicemen, a testament to the respect and admiration he had garnered throughout his life. His story, a blend of American values, service, and sacrifice, remains a poignant reminder of the costs of war and the bravery of those who fight for freedom.
Sources
Certainly! Here is a list of the sources compiled for the narrative of Ernest Gilbert Swart:
1. **The Oakley Graphic (Oakley, KS), 28 Feb 1941** – Ernest Swart’s departure for military training camp.
2. **Grinnell Record Leader (Grinnell, KS), 16 Oct 1941** – Ernest Swart on furlough from Camp Robinson, Arkansas.
3. **Courier Tribune, 25 Dec 1941** – Mention of Ernest Swart attending motor maintenance school at Fort Benning.
4. **Grinnell Record Leader, 31 Dec 1942** – Ernest Swart receiving the Record-Leader as a gift while in the military.
5. **The Oakley Graphic (Oakley, KS), 8 Jan 1943** – News of Ernest Swart joining the U.S. Army Air Forces.
6. **Oakley Graphic (Oakley, KS), 9 Jul 1943** – Letter from Ernest Swart during his flight training.
7. **Courier Tribune, 18 May 1944** – Ernest Swart as a pilot on a Liberator and his expected deployment overseas.
8. **Oakley Graphic (Oakley, KS), 7 Jul 1944** – Letter from Ernest Swart after landing in India.
9. **Oakley Graphic (Oakley, KS), 9 Feb 1945** – Report of Lt. Ernest Swart missing in action in the China-Burma-India theater.
10. **Courier Tribune, 12 Feb 1945** – Notification of Ernest Swart being reported missing.
11. **The Grinnell Record-Leader (Grinnell, KS), 15 Feb 1945** – Detailed account of Lt. Ernest Swart’s death in action on January 18, 1945.
12. **Courier Tribune, 15 Feb 1945** – Further confirmation of Ernest Swart’s death and brief obituary.
13. **Courier Tribune, 19 Feb 1945** – Mention of Ernest Swart’s grandmother and the loss in the family.
14. **The Grinnell Record-Leader (Grinnell, KS), 8 March 1945** – Letter from Ernest’s crew members explaining the circumstances of his death.
15. **Oakley Graphic (Oakley, KS), 14 Sept 1945** – Posthumous awards received by Ernest Swart.
16. **Courier Tribune, 2 May 1949** – Funeral service for Lt. Ernest Swart at the Oneida Methodist Church.