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Archives at The Museum of Flight


DeHaven, Robert M. -- oral history interview, circa 1960s

 File — Multiple Containers

Scope and Contents

In this five-part oral history, fighter ace Robert M. DeHaven is interviewed about his military service with the United States Army Air Forces. In part one, DeHaven describes his experiences as a fighter pilot, including his time in the South Pacific with the 7th Fighter Squadron of the 49th Fighter Group during World War II. He also touches on his postwar involvement with the Bendix Trophy aeronautical races. Other topics discussed include DeHaven’s early interest in aviation, his training and service history, and anecdotes about fellow pilots and fighter aces.

In parts two and three, DeHaven continues to describe his experiences as a fighter pilot. Topics discussed include DeHaven’s involvement in the Wewak raids in 1943; his other combat missions in Papua New Guinea and the Philippines, as well as military life and conditions; and his respect for fellow pilots and combat leaders. He also shares his thoughts on the developments of manned and unmanned weapon systems.

In parts four and five, Dehaven shares stories about the Fat Cat Flight, comprised of DeHaven and fellow fighter aces Richard I. "Dick" Bong, Thomas B. "Tommy" McGuire, and Gerald W. "Jerry" Johnson. Other topics discussed include DeHaven’s aerial victories and combat missions.

Dates

  • Creation: circa 1960s

Creator

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: Robert M. DeHaven

Robert M. DeHaven was born on January 13, 1922 in San Diego, California. He joined the United States Army Air Forces in 1942 and graduated from flight training the following year. DeHaven served with the 7th Fighter Squadron of the 49th Fighter Group during World War II, flying missions in the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. He later became Group Operations Officer of the 49th Fighter Group. DeHaven remained in the military after the war, representing the Air National Guard as their acceptance test pilot for the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star. He transferred to the Air Force Reserve in 1950 and retired as a colonel in 1965. In his civilian life, he worked for the Hughes Aircraft Company as a test pilot and executive and as the personal pilot for Howard Hughes. He also served as president of the American Fighter Aces Association. DeHaven passed away in 2008.

Full Extent

5 Sound tape reels (Reel 1 of 5, labeled: "Bob DeHaven - #1 - 1 of 4"; Reel 2 of 5, labeled: "Bob DeHaven - #2 - 2 of 4"; Reel 3 of 5, labeled: "Bob DeHaven - 024 - Buna - Phils"; Reel 4 of 5, labeled: "Bob 'A' - 019"; Reel 5 of 5, labeled: "Bob 'B' - 020") ; 1/4 in.

Repository Details

Part of the The Museum of Flight Archives Repository

Contact:
9404 East Marginal Way South
Seattle Washington 98108-4097
206-764-5874


The Museum of Flight | 9404 E. Marginal Way South | Seattle WA 98108-4097 | 206-764-5874
Contact us with a research request
curator@museumofflight.org