Collinsworth, Jerry D. -- oral history interview, 1992 February

File — Box: 9

Scope and Contents

Fighter ace Jerry D. Collinsworth discusses his military service with the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. He describes his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot and his time in Europe and North Africa with the 307th Fighter Squadron of the 31st Fighter Group. Special focus on several combat missions, including his first aerial victory in February 1943 and a mission on March 8, 1943 in which he downed a Focke-Wulf 190 that had just shot down his squadron mate.

Dates

Creation: 1992 February

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: Jerry D. Collinsworth

Jerry D. Collinsworth was born on December 23, 1919 in Dublin, Texas. He joined the United States Army Air Forces in August 1941 and graduated from flight school the following year. He served with the 307th Fighter Squadron of the 31st Fighter Squadron in Europe and North Africa from 1942 to 1943, then returned to the United States to serve as a flight instructor. After a brief postwar stint with United Air Lines, he rejoined the Air Force in 1947. His subsequent assignments included commanding the 66th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, serving as Director of Operations of the 27th Tactical Fighter Wing, and serving as base commander in Arizona and Thailand. He retired as a colonel in October 1967 and passed away in 2010.