McColpin, Carroll M. -- oral history interview, 1965 July 16

File — Box: 4

Scope and Contents

In this two-part oral history, fighter ace Carroll W. McColpin is interviewed about his military service with the Royal Air Force and 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 Great Britain with No. 607 Auxiliary Squadron and the three Eagle Squadrons: No. 121, No. 71, and No. 133. Topics discussed include his personal background, his reasoning for joining the RAF as an American volunteer, and his training and service history during the war.

In part two, he continues to discuss his service in the European Theater, including his assignments with the Eagle Squadrons, the 404th Fighter Group, and 29th Tactical Air Command. Topics discussed include notable missions and encounters, details about military life, and stories about fellow servicemen.

The interview is conducted by fellow fighter ace Eugene A. Valencia and by John Florea, a former war correspondent for Life Magazine, at Hamilton Air Force Base in California. Audio may be difficult to hear in some spots due to background noise from passing airplanes.

Dates

Creation: 1965 July 16

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: Carroll M. McColpin

Carroll W. McColpin was born on November 15, 1914 in Buffalo, New York. He volunteered for the Royal Air Force in 1940 and quickly received his pilot wings due to his prior flight experience. After an initial assignment with No. 607 Auxiliary Squadron in Scotland, McColpin then served with all three of the Eagle Squadrons: No. 121, No. 71, and No. 133. In 1942, McColpin transferred to the United States Army Air Forces, where he commanded the 336th Fighter Squadron, the 407th Fighter Group, and the 404th Fighter Group. He remained in the military after the end of World War II and went on to serve in several command and senior staff positions, including commanding the Fourth Air Force at Hamilton Air Force Base in California. McColpin retired as a major general in 1968 and passed away in 2003.