Libby, Frederick -- oral history interview, circa March 1962
Scope and Contents
In this eight-part oral history, fighter ace Frederick Libby is interviewed about his life and his military service with the Royal Flying Corps during World War I. In parts one and two, he discusses his childhood in Colorado and the Midwest, his family’s profession as cowboys and horse breakers, his adventures as a young adult in the American West, Mexico, and Canada, and his enlistment in the Canadian Army. In parts three through eight, he discusses his time as an observer and pilot with the Royal Flying Corps. Topics discussed include his personal background, military life in France and England, notable combat missions and encounters, thoughts on various aircraft, and memories of fellow pilots and servicemen.
The interview is conducted by fellow fighter ace Eugene A. Valencia.
Dates
- Creation: circa March 1962
Creator
- From the Collection: American Fighter Aces Association (Organization)
Language of Materials
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: Frederick Libby
Frederick Libby was born in the early 1890s in Sterling, Colorado. He worked as an itinerant cowboy during his youth and joined the Canadian Army shortly after the outbreak of World War I. Deployed to France in 1915, Libby initially served with a motor transport unit, then volunteered for the Royal Flying Corps. He served as an observer with No. 23 Squadron and No. 11 Squadron, then as a pilot with No. 43 Squadron and No. 25 Squadron. Scoring a number of aerial victories during his RFC career, he became the first American fighter ace. Libby transferred to the United States Army Air Service in 1917 and was medically discharged soon after for spondylitis. As a civilian, he went on to embark on a number of business ventures, including founding the Eastern Oil Company and Western Air Express. Libby passed away in 1970.
Extent
8 Sound tape reels (Reel 1 of 8, labeled: "Fred Libby. #1. 3 of 14 [on box]."; Reel 2 of 8, labeled: "Fred Libby. 028. #2. 5 of 14 [on box]."; Reel 3 of 8, labeled: "Fred Libby. 14 of 14 [on box]. Libby #2."; Reel 4 of 8, labeled: "Fred Libby. 035. #3. 11 of 14 [on box]. Capt Libby #3."; Reel 5 of 8, labeled: "Fred Libby. 036. #4. 12 of 14 [on box]. Capt Libby 4."; Reel 6 of 8, labeled: "Fred Libby. 031. #5. 7 of 14 [on box]. Capt Libby #5."; Reel 7 of 8, labeled: "Fred Libby. 030. #4. 13 of 14 [on box]."; Reel 8 of 8, labeled: "Fred Libby. 032. #7. 8 of 14 [on box]. Fred Libby #7.") ; 1/4 in.
Repository Details
Part of the The Museum of Flight Archives Repository
9404 East Marginal Way South
Seattle Washington 98108-4097
206-764-7874
curator@museumofflight.org