[Edward F. Rector oral history interview]

Fighter ace Edward F. Rector discusses his military service during World War II. He describes his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot, including his flight training with the United States Navy and his time in the China-Burma-India Theater with the American Volunteer Group. Topics discussed include his personal background, his training and service history, notable encounters with Japanese forces, and stories about fellow servicemen.

Edward F. Rector was born on September 28, 1916 in Marshall, North Carolina. He joined the United States Navy in 1939 and earned his Naval Aviator designation the following year. Rector initially served with Bombing Squadron 4 (VB-4) aboard the USS Ranger (CV-4) but resigned his Navy commission in order to join the American Volunteer Group in the China-Burma-India Theater. When the AVG disbanded in July 1942, he joined the group’s spiritual successor, the 23rd Fighter Group, and was given command of the 76th Fighter Squadron. In 1945, he was promoted to colonel and became group commander of the 23rd. Rector remained in the military after the war, serving first with the Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) in China, then in a number of staff and command positions. He retired as a colonel in 1962 and afterwards embarked on a second career as an aviation and communication consultant. Rector passed away in 2001.