[Charles W. Drake oral history interview]

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IntervieweeDrake, Charles W.Datecirca 1980s-1990sLanguageEnglishDescriptionFighter 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.Biographical NoteCharles 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.

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[Charles W. Drake oral history interview]

CollectionAmerican Fighter Aces Association Oral InterviewsCollection AreaArchives

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[Charles W. Drake oral history interview]