[Mayo A. "Mike" Hadden, Jr. oral history interview]

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IntervieweeHadden, Mayo A., Jr.InterviewerValencia, Eugene A.Florea, JohnDatecirca 1960sLanguageEnglishDescriptionIn this four-part oral history, fighter ace Mayo A. “Mike” Hadden, Jr. discusses his military service with the United States Navy during World War II.

In part one, he describes his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot, including his time in the Mediterranean Theater and Pacific Theater with Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9). Topics discussed include his training history, his participation in Operation Torch in 1942, and humorous stories from his military career.

In part two, he continues to describe his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot with Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9). He also shares details about his personal background, his high school and college years, and his family history.

In part three, he continues to describe his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot with Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9). Topics discussed include his combat tour in the Pacific Theater aboard the USS Essex (CV-9), his aerial victories and notable combat missions, and stories about fellow pilots.

Part four contains excerpts from Hadden’s collection of episodes of "The Front Line," a radio program that aired on WBBM in Chicago during the war. The excerpts, which were recorded circa 1942-1943, feature interviews with Fighting 9 (VF-9) members Jack Raby and Hugh Winters, as well as several dramatic performances that reenact VF-9’s experiences during Operation Torch.Biographical NoteMayo A. “Mike” Hadden, Jr. was born on August 14, 1916 in Holland, Michigan. He joined the United States Navy in 1941 and earned his Naval Aviator designation the following year. Assigned to Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9), Hadden served aboard the USS Ranger (CV-4) during Operation Torch, flying missions over Morocco and supporting Allied forces during their invasion of French-controlled North Africa. He remained with VF-9 during their subsequent tours in the Pacific Theater and participated in missions in the South and Central Pacific. Hadden remained in the military after the war and went on to hold several command positions. During the 1960s, he commanded the USS Graffias (AF-29) and USS Hornet (CV-12), then served with the State Department, the Iceland Defense Force, and the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. He retired as a rear admiral in 1973 and passed away in 1986.

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