McMahon, Robert F. -- oral history interview, circa 1960s

File — Box: 4

Scope and Contents

In this nine-part oral history, fighter pilot Robert F. McMahon is interviewed about his military service with the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. In parts one through eight, he describes his experiences as a military pilot, including his 1941-1942 tour in the Southwest Pacific with the 21st and 39th Pursuit Squadrons and his 1944-1945 tour in the European Theater with 19th Tactical Air Command. He also touches on moments from his post-World War II career. Topics discussed include military life in Australia and Papua New Guinea, his experiences in Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge, his time as a prisoner of war in a German work camp, and memories of his dog Lucky during his postwar assignments.

In part nine, McMahon describes his postwar efforts to form a task force of volunteer pilots and support personnel, likened to a Cold War-era American Volunteer Group. Topics discussed include the Bay of Pigs Invasion, which was the catalyst for his task force idea, and the project’s logistics

The interview is conducted by fighter ace Eugene A. Valencia. Note that the McMahon recordings are comprised of several interview segments that have been pieced together. Some of the segments may be out of order on the original audio reels.

Dates

Creation: circa 1960s

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: Robert F. McMahon

Born in Mitchell, South Dakota, Robert F. McMahon joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1940 and graduated from flight training in September of the following year. He was assigned to the 21st Pursuit Squadron and was en route to the Philippines when the United States officially entered World War II. Diverted to Australia, McMahon served in the South Pacific Theater with the 21st and 39th Pursuit Squadrons until late 1942. Returning to the United States, he joined the Fourth Air Force Headquarters and assisted in training new pilots for overseas service. In late 1944, McMahon embarked on another combat tour, this one in the European Theater with the 19th Tactical Air Command. He was captured by German forces in December following a bail-out from his disabled aircraft and spent the next several weeks as a prisoner of war. After World War II, McMahon worked as a federal marketing manager for a heavy equipment company. He also remained involved in military efforts, including making presentations at NATO and developing a concept for a re-envisioned American Volunteer Group for the Cold War era.

Extent

8 Sound tape reels (Reel 1 of 8, labeled: "Bob McMahon. 5 of 8 [on box]. Bob McMahon #1."; Reel 2 of 8, labeled: "Bob McMahon. 7 of 8 [on box]. Bob McMahon #2, #3."; Reel 3 of 8, labeled: "Bob McMahon. 8 of 8 [on box]. RF McMahon '06. 4 and 5. Libby #6 [old inscription on box]."; Reel 4 of 8, labeled: "Bob McMahon. 9 of 9 [on box]."; Reel 5 of 8, labeled: "Bob McMahon. 9 of 9 [on box]."; Reel 6 of 8, labeled: "Bob McMahon. #1. 2 of 8 [on box]."; Reel 7 of 8, labeled: "Bob McMahon. #2. 1 of 8 [on box]."; Reel 8 of 8, labeled: "Bob McMahon. 4 of 8 [on box].") ; 1/4 in.