[Harrison R. Thyng oral history interview (Part 1 of 2)]

In this two-part oral history, Harrison R. “Harry” Thyng discusses his military career with the United States Army Air Forces and United States Air Force. In part one, he focuses on his service in the European and Mediterranean Theaters during World War II. Topics discussed include humorous moments from his flight training, his initial combat missions with the 31st Fighter Group while stationed in England, and his participation in the Allied invasion of North Africa in November 1942.

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

Harrison R. “Harry” Thyng was born on April 12, 1918 in Laconia, New Hampshire. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 1939, he enrolled as an Aviation Cadet with the United States Army Air Corps. He graduated from flight training in 1940. Initially assigned to the 1st Pursuit Group, Thyng later transferred to the 31st Fighter Group and was named commander of the 309th Fighter Squadron, which deployed to England in mid-1942. Thyng participated in the Dieppe Raid and other actions in the European Theater until November 1942, when his squadron was sent to North Africa as part of Operation Torch. Returning to the United States in 1944, he was given command of the 413th Fighter Group, which deployed to the Pacific Theater in 1945. The group, based in Ie Shima, flew strafing and bombing missions against Japanese forces in Japan, Korea, and China. Thyng remained in the military after the end of World War II and served in a number of command positions with various air units and at NORAD (North American Air Defense Command). He commanded the 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing during the Korean War and also flew several combat missions during the Vietnam War. Thyng retired as a brigadier general in 1966 and passed away in 1983.