[Mrs. Garrison (mother of Vermont Garrison) oral history interview]

In this brief oral history, Mrs. Garrison is interviewed about her son, fighter ace Vermont Garrison. She shares a few details about his childhood and military career and discusses her views on America’s role in future global conflicts.

The interview is conducted by Delvina Wheeldon, a journalist and radio broadcaster based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The segment appeared in the Continental Air Defense Command’s "Women in the Air Age" radio program, broadcast circa 1957.

Vermont Garrison was born on October 29, 1915 in Mount Victory, Kentucky. After earning his wings with the Royal Air Force, he transferred to the United States Army Air Forces in 1943. Garrison flew with the 336th Fighter Squadron of the 4th Fighter Group until March 1944, when he was shot down and taken prisoner by German forces. Following his release from a prisoner-of-war camp at the end of World War II, Garrison opted to continue his military career and rejoined the 4th Fighter Group. He commanded the 335th Fighter Squadron during the Korean War, becoming one of a select few to achieve fighter ace status in two wars. He also served in a number of other command positions, including as vice-commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing during the Vietnam War. Garrison retired from the Air Force in 1973 and passed away in 1994.