[Robert F. McMahon oral history interview (Part 2 of 9)]

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Identifier2002-02-13-1139_AV_123SourceThe American Fighter Aces Association Oral Interviews (2002-02-13-1139)CreatorAmerican Fighter Aces AssociationIntervieweeMcMahon, Robert F.InterviewerValencia, Eugene A.DescriptionAudio recording of an oral history with fighter pilot Robert F. McMahon, conducted by interviewer Eugene A. Valencia, circa 1960s. Part 2 of 9.

Text on label: "Bob McMahon #2, #3. 7 of 8 [on box]."AbstractIn this nine-part oral history, fighter pilot Robert F. McMahon is interviewed about his military service with the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. In part two, he continues to describe his time stationed in Australia during late 1941 and early 1942. Topics discussed include military life in the Darwin area and initial encounters with Japanese forces. Special focus on the Bombing of Darwin in February 1942, during which McMahon’s airfield was strafed. McMahon later had to bail-out over a swamp and make his way back to base.

The interview is conducted by fighter ace Eugene A. Valencia. Note that the McMahon recordings are comprised of several interview segments that have been pieced together. Some of the segments may be out of order on the original audio reels.BiographyBorn in Mitchell, South Dakota, Robert F. McMahon joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1940 and graduated from flight training in September of the following year. He was assigned to the 21st Pursuit Squadron and was en route to the Philippines when the United States officially entered World War II. Diverted to Australia, McMahon served in the South Pacific Theater with the 21st and 39th Pursuit Squadrons until late 1942. Returning to the United States, he joined the Fourth Air Force Headquarters and assisted in training new pilots for overseas service. In late 1944, McMahon embarked on another combat tour, this one in the European Theater with the 19th Tactical Air Command. He was captured by German forces in December following a bail-out from his disabled aircraft and spent the next several weeks as a prisoner of war. After World War II, McMahon worked as a federal marketing manager for a heavy equipment company. He also remained involved in military efforts, including making presentations at NATO and developing a concept for a re-envisioned American Volunteer Group for the Cold War era.Creation Datecirca 1960sSubjectAir pilots, MilitaryCurtiss P-40 Warhawk FamilyFighter pilotsMcMahon, Robert F.Mitsubishi A6M Reisen (Zero Fighter) Zeke (Ben, Ray) FamilyUnited States. Army Air ForcesUnited States. Army. Air CorpsWorld War, 1939-1945PlaceAustraliaDarwin (N.T.)Extent1 sound reel (1 hr., 2 min., 44 sec.) : analog ; 1/4 inOriginal Formatoral histories (literary works)open reel audiotapesBibliographic CitationThe American Fighter Aces Association Materials/The Museum of FlightRightsIn copyrightTranscription[Robert F. McMahon oral history interview (Part 2 of 9)]

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[Robert F. McMahon oral history interview (Part 2 of 9)]