John Verser Conner, Jr., was born on August, 25, 1925 in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1941, after attending Ballard Memorial School, Conner graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy. He then attended Princeton University until March 1943, when he joined the Army Air Corps. On January 7, 1944, after receiving training at various air bases in the United States, Conner was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. Beginning in June 1944, he served in the European theater, flying 64 missions over Italy before being killed in action on January 6, 1945. While a fighter pilot, Conner received several commendations and a promotion to First Lieutenant. Luther R. Stein was born November 3, 1877 in Louisville. A relative of the Conner family, Stein served as the vice president and general sales director for the Belknap Hardware and Manufacturing Company from 1925 until 1954. As a civic leader, he was involved with organizations like the Boy Scouts of America, Community Chest, Red Cross, and the Chamber of Commerce. He died on February 26, 1957 in Atlanta, Georgia.
From the description of Conner-Stein family papers, 1935-1994. (Filson Historical Society, The). WorldCat record id: 83313697
