[Marvin J. Franger oral history interview (Part 1 of 2)]

In this two-part oral history, fighter ace Marvin J. Franger 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 and his time with Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9) in the Mediterranean Theater. Topics discussed include Franger’s training history, his time stationed aboard the USS Ranger (CV-4), and his combat missions during Operation Torch in November 1942.

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

Marvin J. Franger was born on October 14, 1919 in Tivoli, Texas. He joined the United States Navy in 1941 and graduated from flight training the following year. Deployed aboard the USS Ranger (CV-4) in 1942, Franger served with Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9) during Operation Torch, flying missions over Morocco and supporting Allied forces during their invasion of French-controlled North Africa. He remained with VF-9 during their subsequent tours in the Pacific Theater and participated in missions in the South Pacific and Japan. Franger remained in the military after the war and held a number of command positions with various units, including Observation Squadron 2 (VO-2), Fighter Squadron 61 (VF-61), and Carrier Air Group 19 (CVG-19). He retired as a captain in 1972 and passed away in 2003.