Lampe, Richard C. -- oral history interview, circa 1989

File — Box: 10

Scope and Contents

In this two-part oral history, fighter ace Richard C. Lampe discusses his military service with the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. In part one, he describes his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot, including his time in the Mediterranean and European Theaters with the 2nd Fighter Squadron of the 52nd Fighter Group. In part two, he provides clarifying details regarding his experiences. Topics discussed include his personal background, his training and service history, and his combat missions in Europe. Special focus on two combat missions in which Lampe scored aerial victories: one on June 11, 1944 over Bulgaria and one on July 2, 1944 over Romania.

The content on Side A and Side B of the first tape is very similar and was likely recorded as two separate takes. Both sides are included here for the sake of completeness.

Dates

Creation: circa 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: Richard C. Lampe

Richard C. Lampe was born on February 10, 1920 in El Paso, Texas and grew up in Globe, Arizona. When the United States officially entered World War II, Lampe was already enrolled in the Civilian Pilot Training Program. He immediately volunteered to join the Army Air Forces and completed his flight training in February 1943. A few months later, Lampe was deployed to a replacement depot in Berrechid, Morocco, where he was selected for the 2nd Fighter Squadron of the 52nd Fighter Group. During his tour, he flew Supermarine Spitfires and North American P-51 Mustangs over Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, and other areas of the Mediterranean and European Theaters. After the war, Lampe joined the Air Force Reserve, retiring as a major in 1969. As a civilian, he co-founded the Lampe Hearing Aid Center with his wife and daughter. Lampe passed away in 2000.