[George C. Duncan and John R. Strane oral history interview]

Fighter aces George C. Duncan and John R. Strane are interviewed about their military service with the United States Navy during World War II. They describe their wartime experiences as fighter pilots and their time in the Pacific Theater with Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15). Duncan also touches briefly on memorable incidents from his postwar Navy career. Topics discussed include the service history of VF-15 aboard the USS Essex (CV-9) and various combat missions in the South and Central Pacific and Japan.

The interview is conducted by fellow fighter ace Eugene A. Valencia.

George C. Duncan was born on February 11, 1917 in Tacoma, Washington. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1939 and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1942. After a tour with the USS Louisville (CA-28), Duncan joined Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15). Serving aboard the USS Essex (CV-9), he flew missions in the Northern Mariana Islands, the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and many other locations in the Pacific Theater. Duncan remained in the military after World War II and went on to command Air Group 5 during the Korean War. He also served as skipper aboard the USS Ranger (CV-61). Retiring as a captain in 1968, Duncan received a law degree from George Washington University and established a law practice. He passed away in 1995.

John R. Strane was born on October 8, 1920 in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania and grew up in Duluth, Minnesota. He joined the United States Navy in April 1941 and graduated from flight training in November of that year. He served as a flight instructor at Naval Air Station Pensacola until August 1943, when he joined Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15) aboard the USS Essex (CV-9). During his tour, he flew missions in the Northern Mariana Islands, the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and many other locations in the Pacific Theater. Strane remained in the military after World War II and went on to command Fighter Squadron 113 (VF-113) during the Korean War. He also served as Air Officer aboard the USS Yorktown (CV-10) and as commander of the Utility Wing, Pacific Fleet. He retired as a captain in 1972.

Biographical information courtesy of: Boyce, Ward J., ed., American fighter aces album. Mesa, Ariz: American Fighter Aces Association, 1996.