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

Details

Identifier2002-02-13-1139_AV_130Parts2002-02-13-1139_AV_130_01SourceThe 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 9 of 9.

Text on label: "Bob McMahon. Freedom Task Force. Flying Tigers (Cuba). 4 of 8 [on box]. "

Handwritten note in container: "Front side, 1st part, on Cuba good. Rest is slightly garbled and not very interesting. 5/10/[?]7, Geo. Gunn, Did not check back side."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 nine, he describes his postwar efforts to form a task force of volunteer pilots and support personnel, likened to a Cold War-era American Volunteer Group. Topics discussed include the Bay of Pigs Invasion, which was the catalyst for his task force idea, and the project’s logistics.

The interview is conducted by fighter ace Eugene A. Valencia. The brief introduction made by Valencia may be left over from a previous recording and may not refer to McMahon specifically. 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, MilitaryCuba--History--Invasion, 1961Fighter pilotsMcMahon, Robert F.North American F-86H SabreExtent1 sound reel (36 min., 2 sec.) : analog ; 1/4 inOriginal Formatoral histories (literary works)open reel audiotapesBibliographic CitationThe American Fighter Aces Association Materials/The Museum of FlightRightsIn copyright

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Collection AreaArchivesOral Histories[Robert F. McMahon oral history interview]

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