[Charles W. Drake oral history interview]

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Identifier2002-02-13-1139_AV_059SourceThe American Fighter Aces Association Oral Interviews (2002-02-13-1139)CreatorAmerican Fighter Aces AssociationIntervieweeDrake, Charles W.DescriptionAudio recording of an oral history with fighter ace Charles W. Drake, circa 1980s-1990s.

Text on label: "C. William Drake."AbstractFighter ace Charles W. Drake discusses his military service with the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He describes his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot, including his time in the Pacific Theater with Marine Fighting Squadron 323 (VMF-323). Special focus on a combat mission on June 3, 1945 in which Drake scored several aerial victories and received the Navy Cross for his actions. He also mentions another combat mission in which he rescued a destroyer from an attacking Japanese plane and received the Air Medal.BiographyCharles W. Drake was born on April 14, 1923 in Maplewood, New Jersey. He entered the V-5 Aviation Cadet Training Program in 1942 and received his commission with the United States Marine Corps the following year. During World War II, Drake served with Marine Fighting Squadron 323 (VMF-323) in Okinawa, operating out of Kadena Airfield. He left the military after the war and had several careers in the warehousing, transportation, and publishing industries. Drake passed away in 2000.Creation Datecirca 1980s-1990sSubjectAces (Fighter pilots)Air pilots, MilitaryDrake, Charles W.Fighter pilotsMitsubishi A6M Reisen (Zero Fighter) Zeke (Ben, Ray) FamilyRepublic P-47 (F-47) Thunderbolt FamilyUnited States. Marine CorpsUnited States. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323United States. Marine Fighting Squadron 323World War, 1939-1945PlaceJapanOkinawa Island (Japan)Ryukyu IslandsExtent1 sound cassette (10 min. 55 sec.) : analog ; 4 x 2.5 inOriginal Formatoral histories (literary works)audiocassettesBibliographic CitationThe American Fighter Aces Association Materials/The Museum of FlightRightsIn copyrightTranscription[Charles W. Drake oral history interview]

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[Charles W. Drake oral history interview]