[Thomas G. Lanphier, Jr. oral history interview]

Details

IntervieweeLanphier, Thomas G., Jr.InterviewerValencia, Eugene A.Florea, JohnDatecirca 1960sLanguageEnglishDescriptionIn this two-part oral history, fighter ace Thomas G. Lanphier, Jr. is interviewed about his military career with the United States Army Air Forces and United States Air Force.

In part one, he describes his experiences as a fighter pilot during World War II and shares details about his personal background. Topics discussed include his time stationed in Fiji and Guadalcanal; his participation in Operation Vengeance, the mission to shoot-down Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto’s plane, on April 18, 1943; his college years at Stanford University; and the military service of his father, Colonel Thomas G. Lanphier, Sr.

In part two, he discusses his post-World War II service and shares more details about his personal background and political viewpoints. Topics discussed include his interactions with prominent political figures, his thoughts on current events, and his work at the Pentagon and Convair during the 1950s. Biographical NoteThomas G. Lanphier, Jr. was born on November 27, 1915 in Panama City, Panama. He joined the United States Army Air Forces in January 1941 and graduated from flight training in October of that year. A member of the 70th Pursuit Squadron, Lanphier served in the Solomon Islands during the Guadalcanal campaign. On April 18, 1943, he participated in Operation Vengeance, the top-secret mission to intercept and shoot down Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto’s plane. After the end of World War II, Lanphier joined the Air Force Reserve and eventually retired at the rank of colonel. He served in several administrative and advisory roles at the Pentagon and, from 1951 to 1960, was vice-president of Convair. Lanphier passed away in 1987.

Audio

[Thomas G. Lanphier, Jr. oral history interview (Part 2 of 2)]

[Thomas G. Lanphier, Jr. oral history interview (Part 1 of 2)]

Transcription

[Thomas G. Lanphier, Jr. oral history interview (Part 2 of 2)]

[Thomas G. Lanphier, Jr. oral history interview (Part 1 of 2)]

CollectionAmerican Fighter Aces Association Oral InterviewsCollection AreaArchives

DIGITAL COLLECTIONS

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[Thomas G. Lanphier, Jr. oral history interview]