Denman, Anthony J. -- oral history interview, 1989

File — Box: 9

Scope and Contents

In this two-part oral history, fighter ace Anthony J. Denman 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 36 (VF-36) and Fighting Squadron 18 (VF-18). Special focus on a combat air patrol mission in October 1944 in which Denman helped defend Task Group 38.2 against a group of Japanese dive-bombers and fighter planes. In part two, he provides clarifying details regarding his wartime experiences and the combat mission discussed in the previous interview.

Dates

Creation: 1989

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: Anthony J. Denman

Anthony J. Denman was born on November 25, 1918 in Chicago, Illinois. He joined the United States Navy as an Aviation Cadet in 1940 and was designated a Naval Aviator the following year. Initially a member of Fighting Squadron 36 (VF-36), Denman later joined Fighting Squadron 18 (VF-18) when the squadron reformed in 1944. He served aboard a number of carriers during his combat tours in the Pacific Theater, including the USS Nassau (CVE-16), USS Intrepid (CV-11), USS Hancock (CV-19), and USS Saratoga (CV-3). Denman joined the Navy Reserve after World War II and commanded Fighter Squadron 831 (VF-831) during the Korean War. He retired from the military in 1977 and passed away in 1992.