[Robert F. McMahon oral history interview (Part 2 of 9)]

In this nine-part oral history, fighter pilot Robert F. McMahon is interviewed about his military service with the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. In part two, he continues to describe his time stationed in Australia during late 1941 and early 1942. Topics discussed include military life in the Darwin area and initial encounters with Japanese forces. Special focus on the Bombing of Darwin in February 1942, during which McMahon’s airfield was strafed. McMahon later had to bail-out over a swamp and make his way back to base.

The interview is conducted by fighter ace Eugene A. Valencia. Note that the McMahon recordings are comprised of several interview segments that have been pieced together. Some of the segments may be out of order on the original audio reels.

Born in Mitchell, South Dakota, Robert F. McMahon joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1940 and graduated from flight training in September of the following year. He was assigned to the 21st Pursuit Squadron and was en route to the Philippines when the United States officially entered World War II. Diverted to Australia, McMahon served in the South Pacific Theater with the 21st and 39th Pursuit Squadrons until late 1942. Returning to the United States, he joined the Fourth Air Force Headquarters and assisted in training new pilots for overseas service. In late 1944, McMahon embarked on another combat tour, this one in the European Theater with the 19th Tactical Air Command. He was captured by German forces in December following a bail-out from his disabled aircraft and spent the next several weeks as a prisoner of war. After World War II, McMahon worked as a federal marketing manager for a heavy equipment company. He also remained involved in military efforts, including making presentations at NATO and developing a concept for a re-envisioned American Volunteer Group for the Cold War era.