Scope and Contents In this two-part oral history, fighter ace Reade F. Tilley discusses his military service with the Royal Air Force during World War II. In part one, he describes his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot, including his time in the European and Mediterranean Theaters with No. 121 Squadron and No. 601 Squadron. Topics discussed include his initial attempts to become a volunteer pilot during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and the Russo-Finnish War (1939-1940), his enlistment and training...

Scope and Contents This recording contains a humorous wartime story from fighter ace John W. Topliff, which he told to attendees at the 38th anniversary celebration for Fighting Squadron 8 (VF-8) in 1981. The story focuses on an incident from Topliff’s time as a replacement pilot with Fighting Squadron 26 (VF-26), prior to his assignment to VF-8 in 1943. While returning from a mission, he became separated from his unit and crashed while trying to hail a passing ship. Though he was rescued and brought back to...

Scope and Contents Audio recording of an oral history with fighter ace Franklin W. Troup, circa 1990. Originally contained in an mailing envelope addressed to Eric M. Hammel. Accompanying handwritten note to Hammel was dated January 11, 1990. Postmark stamp on envelope was dated April 1990. Microcassette 1 of 1.Abstract from transcript: Fighter ace Franklin W. Troup discusses his military service with the United States Navy during World War II. Special focus is given to a combat air patrol mission...