[Louis E. Curdes oral history interview]

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Identifier2002-02-13-1139_AV_041SourceThe American Fighter Aces Association Oral Interviews (2002-02-13-1139)CreatorAmerican Fighter Aces AssociationIntervieweeCurdes, Louis E.InterviewerClanin, Douglas E.DescriptionAudio recording of an oral history with fighter ace Louis E. Curdes, conducted by interviewer Douglas E. Clanin, April 13, 1991.

Text on label: "L. Curdes."AbstractFighter ace Louis E. Curdes is interviewed by historian Douglas E. Clanin about his military service with the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Curdes describes his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot, including his time with the 82nd Fighter Group in the Mediterranean Theater and with the 3rd Air Commando Group in the Pacific Theater. He also touches on his postwar career with the United States Air Force. Topics discussed include his time as a prisoner-of-war in Italy, his escape back to Allied-controlled territory with the help of Italian Partisans, his combat missions in Europe and the South Pacific, and his participation in the Berlin Airlift.BiographyLouis E. Curdes was born on June 11, 1919 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He joined the United States Army Air Forces in 1941 and graduated from flight training the following year. Curdes served two combat tours during World War II, one with the 82nd Fighter Group in North Africa and one with the 3rd Air Commando Group in the South Pacific. During his time in the Mediterranean Theater, he spent several months as a prisoner-in-war in Italy; he eventually escaped back to Allied lines with the help of Italian Partisans. Curdes remained in the military after the war and retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1963. Some of his postwar assignments include helping to form the Indiana Air National Guard and participating in the Berlin Airlift. Curdes passed away in 1995.

Biographical information courtesy of: Boyce, Ward J., ed., American fighter aces album. Mesa, Ariz: American Fighter Aces Association, 1996.Creation Date1991-04-13SubjectAces (Fighter pilots)Air pilots, MilitaryBerlin (Germany)--History--Blockade, 1948-1949Curdes, Louis E.Douglas C-47 SkytrainFighter pilotsIndiana. Air National GuardLockheed P-38 Lightning FamilyMesserschmitt Bf 109 FamilyMitsubishi Ki-46 Dinah Family (Type 100 Command Recon Aircraft)Prisoners of warUnited States. Air ForceUnited States. Army Air ForcesUnited States. Army Air Forces. Air Commando Group, 3rdUnited States. Army Air Forces. Fighter Group, 82ndUnited States. Army Air Forces. Fighter Squadron, 4thWorld War, 1939-1945PlaceAfrica, NorthGermanyItalyPapua New GuineaPhilippinesTunisiaExtent1 sound cassette (57 min., 47 sec.) : analog ; 4 x 2.5 inOriginal Formatoral histories (literary works)audiocassettesBibliographic CitationThe American Fighter Aces Association Materials/The Museum of FlightRightsIn copyrightTranscription[Louis E. Curdes oral history interview]

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[Louis E. Curdes oral history interview]