[Anthony J. Denman oral history interview (Part 1 of 2)]

In this two-part oral history, fighter ace Anthony J. Denman discusses his military service with the United States Navy during World War II. In part one, he describes his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot, including his time in the Pacific Theater with Fighting Squadron 36 (VF-36) and Fighting Squadron 18 (VF-18). Special focus on a combat air patrol mission in October 1944 in which Denman helped defend Task Group 38.2 against a group of Japanese dive-bombers and fighter planes.

Anthony J. Denman was born on November 25, 1918 in Chicago, Illinois. He joined the United States Navy as an Aviation Cadet in 1940 and was designated a Naval Aviator the following year. Initially a member of Fighting Squadron 36 (VF-36), Denman later joined Fighting Squadron 18 (VF-18) when the squadron reformed in 1944. He served aboard a number of carriers during his combat tours in the Pacific Theater, including the USS Nassau (CVE-16), USS Intrepid (CV-11), USS Hancock (CV-19), and USS Saratoga (CV-3). Denman joined the Navy Reserve after World War II and commanded Fighter Squadron 831 (VF-831) during the Korean War. He retired from the military in 1977 and passed away in 1992.