Drury, Paul E. -- oral history interview, circa 1990s

File — Box: 11

Scope and Contents

Fighter ace Paul E. Drury discusses his military service with the United States Navy during World War II. He focuses in particular on his experiences during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on October 24, 1944. A member of Fighting Squadron 27 (VF-27) stationed aboard the USS Princeton (CVL-23), Drury was on the ship when it was attacked by a Japanese dive bomber. He describes his escape to the USS Irwin (DD-794), the fleet’s attempts to save the Princeton, and the ultimate decision to torpedo the damaged ship.

Dates

Creation: circa 1990s

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: Paul E. Drury

Paul E. Drury was born on January 16, 1922 in Hubbard, Ohio. He joined the United States Navy in 1942 and graduated from flight training the following year. Drury served with Fighting Squadron 27 (VF-27) aboard the USS Princeton (CVL-23) and was on the ship when it was critically damaged during the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944. He survived the attack and continued serving with VF-27 when it re-deployed aboard the USS Independence (CVL-22). Drury left the military after the war and worked in the insurance and financial planning industries. He retired in 1985 and passed away in 2002.