[William B. Freeman oral history interview]

Fighter ace William B. Freeman discusses his military service with the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He describes his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot, including his time with Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (VMF-121) in the Solomon Islands. Topics discussed include his training history, his combat missions in Guadalcanal, and his aerial victories. Special focus on a mission in October 1942 in which he shot down a Japanese bomber aircraft.

William B. Freeman was born on December 5, 1917 in Bonham, Texas. He joined the United States Marine Corps as an Aviation Cadet and earned his commission in 1942. Assigned to Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (VMF-121), Freeman was deployed to the Solomon Islands to help relieve VMF-221 and VMF-223 in Guadalcanal. After completing his first combat tour, he joined Marine Fighting Squadron 115 (VMF-115) in the Philippines and later commanded the Marine Service Squadron. Freeman remained in the military after the war, serving as a test pilot at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1957. In his civilian life, Freeman worked for the United Aircraft Corporation, the LTV Corporation, and Martin Marietta. He passed away in 2007.