Farrell, William -- oral history interview, 1989-circa 1990s

File — Box: 9

Scope and Contents

In this five-part oral history, fighter ace William Farrell discusses his 30+ years of service with the United States Marine Corps. In part one, he describes his experiences as a fighter pilot and shares memorable moments from his combat tours during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Topics discussed include his time stationed in Okinawa with Marine Fighting Squadron 312 (VMF-312); his interdiction missions and air strikes in Korea; and his participation in the Battle of Khe Sanh in 1968.

Dates

Creation: 1989-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: William Farrell

William Farrell was born on November 29, 1921 in Paterson, New Jersey. He entered the Naval Aviation Cadet program in 1942 and received his commission with the United States Marine Corps the following year. During World War II, Farrell served in the Pacific Theater with Marine Fighting Squadron 312 (VMF-312), flying missions in Okinawa and the South Pacific. He remained in the military after the war and went on to serve with Marine Fighter Squadron 513 (VMF-513) and Marine Fighter Squadron 311 (VMF-311) during the Korean War. During the Vietnam War, he once again flew with VMF-311 and also served as commander of Chu Lai Air Base. Farrell retired as a colonel in 1974 and afterwards had a 20-year teaching career in the Southern California area. He passed away in 2002.

Extent

5 Sound cassettes (Cassette 1 of 5, labeled: "Col. William Farrell - 8/89 - VMF-312"; Cassette 2 of 5, labeled: "Col. Wm. Farrell. USMC Ret. - 2"; Cassette 3 of 5, labeled: "Col. Wm. Farrell - 3 - 25 Aug 89"; Cassette 4 of 5, labeled: "Farrell"; Cassette 5 of 5, labeled: "Farrell, Wm. Col")