Blair, William K. -- oral history interview, circa 1960s

File — Box: 1

Scope and Contents

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In this two-part oral history, fighter ace William K. Blair is interviewed by Eugene A. Valencia about his military service with the United States Navy. In part one, Blair describes his experiences as a carrier-based fighter pilot, including his assignments with Fighting Squadron 10 (VF-10) and Fighting Squadron 2 (VF-2) during World War II. Topics discussed include his flight training; his time aboard the USSSaratoga, USSLong Island, USSHornet, and USSEnterprise; and his participation in various battles, including the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands (October 1942) and the Battle of the Philippine Sea (June 1944). In part two, Blair continues to describe his wartime experiences with Fighting Squadron 10 (VF-10) and Fighting Squadron 2 (VF-2), including several combat missions over Iwo Jima and the Philippines. He also touches briefly on his postwar career.

Dates

Creation: circa 1960s

Creator

From the Collection: American Fighter Aces Association (Organization)

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

All materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research. Due to preservation concerns, digital copies should be utilized instead of original materials. There is limited access to undigitized content.

Biographical Note: William K. Blair

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William K. Blair was born on April 18, 1916 in Toledo, Ohio. He joined the United States Navy in 1940 and graduated from flight training in 1942. Blair served two combat tours in the Pacific Theater, one with Fighting Squadron 10 (VF-10) and one with Fighting Squadron 2 (VF-2). During this time, Blair served aboard a number of carriers, including the USSSaratoga, USSLong Island, USSHornet, and USSEnterprise. He remained in the military after World War II and retired as a commander in 1957. In his civilian life, he worked as a stock broker for Merrill Lynch.

Full Extent

2 Sound tape reels (Reel 1 of 2, labeled: "005 - W. K. Blair - VF-10, Flatley - VF-2, Dean"; Reel 2 of 2, labeled: "006 - W. K. Blair #2 - VF-2 and Mrs. B [illegible]") ; 1/4 in.