� � � Upon graduating on May 20, 1943 Spitler was assigned to Muroc AAB (now known as Edwards) for combat training.� Moving on to Van Nuys Air Base for further training and submarine patrol along the coast of California.
In September 1943 Spitler boarded a "cruise liner" for the voyage to Africa, along with 31 other P-38 pilots, where he was assigned to the 71st Squadron of the 1st Fighter Group.� They moved to several fields in Africa before moving to Sardinia, and finally to two locations in Italy ending up at Foggia #8.

� � � � During his tour he flew 50� combat missions including, when with the 12th Air Force, dive bombing and strafing missions as well as escort of medium bombers.� The 15th Air Force was formed in December 1943 and the 1st was assigned to it.� Missions with the 15th Air Force consisted mainly of escort of heavy bombers on long range bombing missions throughout Southern France, Southern Germany, Northern Italy, Austria and the Balkan countries includung The refineries at Ploesti.� Spitler had three confirmed aerial victories and received the DFC, Air Medal with 10 Oak Leaf clusters, European Theater Medal, Pacific Theater Medal and the Victory Medal.� During his tour the 1st Fighter Group also received two Presidential unit citations for outstanding service.He was promoted to the rank of Captain in July 1944 and returned to the US in September 1944 where he was assigned to train replacement pilots in� �P-38s for combat duty.� Spitler was separated from the service in October 1945. He currently resides in Fillmore, California.