[John W. Topliff oral history interview, via George N. Kirk]

This recording contains a humorous wartime story from fighter ace John W. Topliff, which he told to attendees at the 38th anniversary celebration for Fighting Squadron 8 (VF-8) in 1981. The story focuses on an incident from Topliff’s time as a replacement pilot with Fighting Squadron 26 (VF-26), prior to his assignment to VF-8 in 1943. While returning from a mission, he became separated from his unit and crashed while trying to hail a passing ship. Though he was rescued and brought back to Panama, the U.S. government initially suspected him of being a German spy.

The recording includes introductory and concluding remarks by fighter ace George N. Kirk, also of VF-8. He provides contextual background about Topliff’s reputation as a mysterious figure in the squadron and the reason for Topliff telling the story at the reunion. He also provides information about VF-8’s service record.

Note that the audio may be difficult to hear in some spots due to background noise, laughter from the audience, and overlapping voices.

John W. Topliff was born on December 21, 1919 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. He joined the United States Navy in 1942 and graduated from flight training in October of that year. Assigned as a replacement pilot to Fighting Squadron 26 (VF-26), Topliff served in the Guadalcanal area until a post-mission mishap led to a crash-landing in the Pacific Ocean. Rescued by an American ship and brought back to Panama, he was reassigned to Fighting Squadron 8 (VF-8) and re-deployed aboard the USS Bunker Hill (CV-17). During his tour, Topliff flew missions in the Solomon Islands, the Philippines, Okinawa, and other areas of the Pacific Theater. He also participated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea in 1944. After World War II, he served as an LSO (Landing Signal Officer) for various squadrons before joining the staff of Carrier Air Group 101 (CVG-101). During the Korean War, he flew missions from the USS Boxer (CV-21) and USS Kearsarge (CV-33). Topliff retired as a commander in 1969. He passed away in 1993.