[Richard L. Cormier oral history interview (Part 1 of 3)]

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Identifier2002-02-13-1139_AV_035SourceThe American Fighter Aces Association Oral Interviews (2002-02-13-1139)CreatorAmerican Fighter Aces AssociationIntervieweeCormier, Richard L.InterviewerValencia, Eugene A.DescriptionAudio recording of an oral history with fighter ace Richard L. “Zeke” Cormier, conducted by interviewer Eugene A. Valencia, October 10, 1966. Part 1 of 3.

Text on label: "Zeke Cormier. 015. Capt. Cormier, USN (ret). 10/10/66. Pacific 293 Whitney Chula Vista. [long list of topics discussed]."AbstractIn this three-part oral history, fighter ace Richard L. “Zeke” Cormier is interviewed by Eugene A. Valencia about his military service with the United States Navy. In part one, Cormier describes his experiences as a carrier-based pilot during World War II, including his assignments with Composite Squadron 1 (VC-1) in the North Atlantic and with Fighting Squadron 80 (VF-80) in the Pacific Theater. Topics discussed include his flight training, his time aboard the USS Card as part of the antisubmarine force, and his time aboard the USS Ticonderoga and USS Hancock with VF-80.BiographyRichard L. “Zeke” Cormier was born on December 19, 1919 in Centralia, Washington. He joined the United States Navy in 1941 and was designated a naval aviator the following year. During World War II, Cormier served several combat tours, first with Composite Squadron 1 (VC-1) aboard the USS Card and then with Fighting Squadron 80 (VF-80) aboard the USS Ticonderoga and USS Hancock. He remained in the military after the war and continued his naval aviation career with Fighter Squadron 2A (VF-2A), Fighter Photographic Squadron 61 (VFP-61), Attack Squadron 113 (VFA-113), and Air Group 11. He also commanded the Blue Angels, the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, during the mid-1950s and served as executive officer aboard the USS Wasp. Cormier retired as a captain in 1964 and passed away in 2001.

Biographical information courtesy of: Boyce, Ward J., ed., American fighter aces album. Mesa, Ariz: American Fighter Aces Association, 1996.Creation Date1966-10-10SubjectAces (Fighter pilots)Air pilots, MilitaryAntisubmarine aircraftCalifornia. National GuardCard (Aircraft carrier)Cormier, Richard L.Curtiss SB2C Helldiver FamilyFighter pilotsGrumman F4F Wildcat FamilyGrumman TBF Avenger FamilyHancock (Aircraft carrier : 1944-1976)Mitsubishi A6M Reisen (Zero Fighter) Zeke (Ben, Ray) FamilySubmarines (Ships)--GermanyTiconderoga (Aircraft carrier : 1944-1976)United States. NavyUnited States. Navy. Composite Squadron 1United States. Navy. Fighting Squadron 80World War, 1939-1945PlaceJapanMarcus Island (Japan)North Atlantic OceanPhilippinesTaiwanExtent1 sound reel (2 hr., 4 min., 20 sec.) : analog ; 1/4 inOriginal Formatoral histories (literary works)open reel audiotapesBibliographic CitationThe American Fighter Aces Association Materials/The Museum of FlightRightsIn copyrightTranscription[Richard L. Cormier oral history interview (Part 1 of 3)]

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[Richard L. Cormier oral history interview (Part 1 of 3)]