Scope and Contents

Audio recording of an unidentified speaker describing cockpit layouts for a Northrop F-18L Hornet and Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird, recorded circa 1980s-1990s. The recording was created for use in an interactive exhibit, possibly for the Champlin Fighter Museum in Mesa, Arizona, and includes directions on how to proceed to the next exhibit. The speaker also notes that the Hornet cockpit is a mock-up created by Northrop. The recording includes several takes and alternate versions.

Scope and Contents In this three-part oral history, fighter ace Richard L. “Zeke” Cormier is interviewed by Eugene A. Valencia about his military service with the United States Navy. In part one, Cormier describes his experiences as a carrier-based pilot during World War II, including his assignments with Composite Squadron 1 (VC-1) in the North Atlantic and with Fighting Squadron 80 (VF-80) in the Pacific Theater. Topics discussed include his flight training, his time aboard the USS...

Scope and Contents

Fighter ace Harry C. Crim, Jr. discusses his military service with the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. He describes his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot and his time with the 21st Fighter Group while stationed in Hawaii, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Iwo Jima. Special focus on a banzai attack on Iwo Jima in March 1945 and on a combat mission in April 1945 in which Crim shot down two Japanese airplanes.

Scope and Contents In this three-part oral history, fighter ace William A. Daniel is interviewed by Eugene A. Valencia about his military service with the United States Army Air Corps. In parts one, two, and three, Daniel discusses his experiences as an Army Air Corps pilot and his time with the 31st Fighter Group during World War II. Topics discussed include his wartime missions in the Mediterranean and European Theaters and his memories of military life while stationed in Italy and Eastern Europe. Part three...

Scope and Contents

Fighter ace Leonard K. “Duke” Davis is interviewed by Eugene A. Valencia about his military service with the United States Marine Corps during World War II. Davis describes his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot and his time with Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (VMF-121) in the Pacific Theater. Topics discussed include Davis’s combat missions, military life and conditions in Guadalcanal, and anecdotes about fellow pilots and other personnel.

Scope and Contents Fighter ace Gregory A. “Gus” Daymond is interviewed by Eugene A. Valencia about his military service with the Royal Air Force during World War II. Daymond describes his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot and his time in England with No. 71 Squadron, one of the RAF Eagle Squadrons made up of American volunteers. Topics discussed include Daymond’s early interest in aviation and experiences as a young pilot; his motivations for joining the RAF as an American volunteer; and his combat...

Scope and Contents In this five-part oral history, fighter ace Robert M. DeHaven is interviewed about his military service with the United States Army Air Forces. In part one, DeHaven describes his experiences as a fighter pilot, including his time in the South Pacific with the 7th Fighter Squadron of the 49th Fighter Group during World War II. He also touches on his postwar involvement with the Bendix Trophy aeronautical races. Other topics discussed include DeHaven’s early interest in aviation, his training...

Scope and Contents In this two-part oral history, fighter ace John R. Alison is interviewed about his military service with the United States Army Air Corps. In part one, Alison describes the early stages of his military career, including his flight training and his time as a fighter pilot with the 8th Pursuit Group. He also shares anecdotes about himself and fellow pilots. In part two, Alison describes his experiences as a demonstration and fighter pilot during World War II, including his time as an assistant...

Scope and Contents In this two-part oral history, fighter ace Marshall U. Beebe is interviewed about his military service with the United States Navy. In parts one and two, Beebe describes the various stages of his military career, including his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot during World War II and as an Air Group Commander during the Korean War. Topics discussed include Beebe's training history; his time with various squadrons, including Composite Squadron 39 (VC-39) and Fighting Squadron 17 (VF-17);...

Scope and Contents In this two-part oral history, fighter ace William K. Blair is interviewed by Eugene A. Valencia about his military service with the United States Navy. In part one, Blair describes his experiences as a carrier-based fighter pilot, including his assignments with Fighting Squadron 10 (VF-10) and Fighting Squadron 2 (VF-2) during World War II. Topics discussed include his flight training; his time aboard the USSSaratoga, USSLong...