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[Armistead B. Smith, Jr. oral history interview]
Fighter ace Armistead B. Smith, Jr. discusses his military service with the United States Navy during World War II. He describes his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot, including his time with Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9) in the Mediterranean and Pacific Theaters. Topics discussed include the comradery of VF-9 and a combat mission to Truk Lagoon.
[John W. Topliff oral history interview, via George N. Kirk]
This recording contains a humorous wartime story from fighter ace John W. Topliff, which he told to attendees at the 38th anniversary celebration for Fighting Squadron 8 (VF-8) in 1981. The story focuses on an incident from Topliff’s time as a replacement pilot with Fighting Squadron 26 (VF-26), prior to his assignment to VF-8 in 1943. While returning from a mission, he became separated from his…
[John Richard Rossi oral history interview (Part 1 of 6)]
In this six-part oral history, fighter ace John Richard Rossi discusses his military service with the American Volunteer Group during World War II. In part one, he describes his training with the United States Navy and his early experiences with the AVG in the China-Burma-India Theater. Topics discussed include his training history, his efforts to join the AVG, and his deployment to Burma. The…
[Henry S. White oral history interview]
Fighter ace Henry S. White is interviewed about his military service with the United States Navy during World War II. He describes his wartime experiences as a naval aviator, including his time with Fighting Squadron 11 (VF-11) while stationed in Guadalcanal. He also touches on his experiences as a test pilot. Topics discussed include his training and service history, conditions and notable…
[Joseph J. Foss, Earling W. Zaeske, Daniel G. Cunningham, and Frank L. Lawlor oral history interviews]
This recording contains one-on-one interviews with fighter aces Joseph J. Foss, Earling W. Zaeske, Daniel G. Cunningham, and Frank L. Lawlor. The interviewees discuss their wartime experiences as fighter pilots and share details about their naval aviation careers during World War II. Topics discussed include notable combat missions, aerial victories, and stories about fellow pilots. The interviews…
[Eugene Ralph Hanks oral history interview (Part 2 of 2)]
In this two-part oral history, fighter ace Eugene Ralph Hanks discusses his military service with the United States Navy during World War II. In part two, he continues to describe the combat mission that took place on November 23, 1943. He also discusses other events from his Pacific Theater tour, including other combat missions and encounters and notable incidents aboard the USS Lexington…
[Jimmie E. Savage oral history interview (Part 1 of 2)]
In this two-part oral history, fighter ace Jimmie E. “Doc” Savage 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 Pacific Theater with Fighting Squadron 11 (VF-11). Topics discussed include his personal background, his service and training history, and notable combat…
[John Richard Rossi oral history interview (Part 6 of 6)]
In this six-part oral history, fighter ace John Richard Rossi discusses his military service with the American Volunteer Group during World War II. In part six, he continues to describe his wartime experiences with the AVG’s 1st Pursuit Squadron in the China-Burma-India Theater. Topics discussed include a combat mission over Moulmein, Burma on February 26, 1942 and details about the AVG’s…
[Marvin J. Franger oral history interview (Part 1 of 2)]
In this two-part oral history, fighter ace Marvin J. Franger 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 and his time with Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9) in the Mediterranean Theater. Topics discussed include Franger’s training history, his time stationed aboard the USS Ranger (CV-4), and his…
[John S. Thach oral history interview]
Fighter ace John S. “Jimmy” Thach is interviewed about his military service with the United States Navy during World War II. He describes his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot, including his time as gunnery officer and skipper of Fighting Squadron 3 (VF-3). Topics discussed include his training and service history, his development of the Thach Weave aerial combat maneuver, and his initial…