[Jimmie E. Savage oral history interview (Part 1 of 2)]

In this two-part oral history, fighter ace Jimmie E. “Doc” Savage discusses his military service with the United States Navy during World War II. In part one, he describes his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot, including his time in the Pacific Theater with Fighting Squadron 11 (VF-11). Topics discussed include his personal background, his service and training history, and notable combat missions.

Jimmie E. Savage was born on October 26, 1918 in Gunter, Texas. He joined the United States Navy in 1941 and graduated from flight training in October of that year. Savage served as a flight instructor at Naval Air Station Pensacola for two years, then joined Fighting Squadron 11 (VF-11) in 1943. Stationed aboard the USS Hornet (CV-12), he flew missions over Formosa, the Philippines, Okinawa, and other areas of the Pacific Theater. Savage remained in the military after the end of World War II and went on to serve with a number of squadrons, including VBF-98, VT-2A, VA-114, and VF-121. He also served in several staff and administrative positions and was one of the founding members of the American Fighter Aces Association. Savage retired as a captain in 1972 and passed away in 1984.