Solr Search · The Museum of Flight

[Alexander Vraciu oral history interview (Part 1 of 2)] (Item)

In this two-part oral history, fighter ace Alexander Vraciu is interviewed about his military service with the United States Navy during World War II. In part one, he describes his wartime experiences as a naval aviator, including his time with Fighting Squadron 3/6 (VF-3/VF-6) and other units in the Pacific Theater. Topics discussed include his personal background, his tours of duty aboard the…

[American and German fighter pilots (Part 2 of 2)] (Item)

This two-part recording contains conversations between German and American fighter pilots regarding their military service during World War II. The conversations took place during a goodwill meeting between the American Fighter Aces Association and the Luftwaffe Fighter Pilots’ Association that was held in Germany in May 1961. Excerpts from these recordings were later used in a highlight reel…

[Goodwill Meeting, American Fighter Aces Association and Luftwaffe Fighter Pilots’ Association (Part 3 of 3)] (Item)

This three-part recording contains highlights from a goodwill meeting between the American Fighter Aces Association and the Luftwaffe Fighter Pilots’ Association, held in May 1961 in Germany. In part three, the narrator presents excerpts from conversations between the American and German delegations and describes notable moments during the visit, such as speeches made at a war memorial dedication…

[Goodwill Meeting, American Fighter Aces Association and Luftwaffe Fighter Pilots’ Association (Part 1 of 3)] (Item)

This three-part recording contains highlights from a goodwill meeting between the American Fighter Aces Association and the Luftwaffe Fighter Pilots’ Association, held in May 1961 in Germany. In part one, the narrator summarizes the event, introduces members of the American and German delegations, and describes notable moments during the visit. Identified speakers include Werner Andres, President…

[Mayo A. "Mike" Hadden, Jr. oral history interview (Part 2 of 4)] (Item)

In 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 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. The interview is…

[Henry K. Champion, James B. French, and Clinton L. Smith oral history interview] (Item)

Fighter aces Henry K. Champion, James B. French, and Clinton L. Smith are interviewed about their military service with the United States Navy during World War II. They describe their wartime experience as fighter pilots with Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9) and share stories about memorable combat missions. The interview is conducted by fellow VF-9 ace Eugene A. Valencia.

[Marshall U. Beebe oral history interview (Part 2 of 2)] (Item)

In this two-part oral history, fighter ace Marshall U. Beebe is interviewed about his military service with the United States Navy. In part two, he continues to discuss the various stages of his military career, including his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot during World War II and as an Air Group Commander during the Korean War. Topics discussed include Beebe’s training history; his time…

[Goodwill Meeting, American Fighter Aces Association and Luftwaffe Fighter Pilots’ Association (Part 2 of 3)] (Item)

This three-part recording contains highlights from a goodwill meeting between the American Fighter Aces Association and the Luftwaffe Fighter Pilots’ Association, held in May 1961 in Germany. In part two, the narrator presents excerpts from conversations between the American and German delegations. Topics discussed include the German scoring system for aerial victories, past and current…

[Richard L. Cormier oral history interview (Part 3 of 3)] (Item)

In this three-part oral history, fighter ace Richard L. “Zeke” Cormier is interviewed by Eugene A. Valencia about his military service with the United States Navy. In part three, Cormier discusses his time with the Blue Angels, shares more stories from World War II, and reflects on his military career. He concludes the interview with his thoughts on fighter aces and fighter pilots.

[Mayo A. "Mike" Hadden, Jr. oral history interview (Part 4 of 4)] (Item)

In 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. 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…

Search Digital Records

Limit your search

34 results