[Roger A. Haberman oral history interview (Part 1 of 2)]

In this two-part oral history, fighter ace Roger A. Haberman discusses his military service with the United States Marine Corps during World War II. In part one, he describes his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot and his time with Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (VMF-121) in the Pacific Theater. Topics discussed include his training history and his combat missions while stationed at Guadalcanal, including one on November 11, 1942 in which he attacked a Japanese bomber aircraft.

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

Roger A. Haberman was born on March 17, 1916 in Ellsworth, Wisconsin. He enrolled as an Aviation Cadet in 1940 and earned his commission with the United States Marine Corps the following year. Assigned to Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (VMF-121), Haberman flew with Foss’s Flying Circus, an eight-plane group of Grumman F4F Wildcat pilots led by Marine fighter ace Joe Foss. Haberman served two tours of duty with VMF-121, flying missions over Guadalcanal and other areas of the South Pacific. He remained in the military after the war and eventually retired at the rank of colonel. Haberman passed away in 2005.