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Oral History Interview with George W. Denby, February 2, 2008 transcript

Oral History Interview with George W. Denby, February 2, 2008

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with George W Denby. Denby joined the Navy and earned his wings in December 1943 at Corpus Christi. He was assigned to the USS Enterprise (CV-6), flying a Grumman F4F Wildcat. At the Battle of the Philippine Sea he was knocked unconscious after being struck by an 18-inch shell. When he regained consciousness, he fired on his target and returned to the Enterprise. The next day, he was wounded in a dogfight with seven Zeroes. He jumped from his plane at 30,000 feet and broke his back when deploying his parachute. Zeroes continued firing on him as he hit the water, and his life jacket was full of holes. He swam for eight hours, bleeding severely and unable to move one of his legs. He was attacked by a shark but was eventually rescued and returned to the Enterprise. He finished his tour of duty with a total of 57 combat missions. While at Ulithi on R&R, he rubbed elbows with well-known fighter aces. For some time after the war, Denby was skittish while flying. But he flew combat missions in the Korean War and retired as a commander …
Date: February 2, 2008
Creator: Denby, George W.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with James Smith, January 2, 2008 transcript

Oral History Interview with James Smith, January 2, 2008

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James Smith. Smith participated in the Civilian Pilot Training Program before entering the Army Air Corps in late 1942. He graduated from flight school in August 1943. Smith was assigned to a B-24 crew and headed for North Africa in December 1943. From there, Smith went on bombing missions over Italy, Romania, etc. flying with the Fifteenth Air Force. After finishing combat missions, Smith ferried a B-24 back to San Antonio, his home in 1944. He then served as a flight instructor in Arizona until he got out of the service in October, 1945. He stayed in the Reserves and served briefly in Korea.
Date: January 2, 2008
Creator: Smith, James
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with George William Ogden, May 2, 2008 transcript

Oral History Interview with George William Ogden, May 2, 2008

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with George William Ogden. Ogden joined the Navy in February of 1942. He completed Officer Candidate School, and trained with amphibious landing vehicles. Beginning in early 1943, he served as a Communications Officer aboard the USS LST-172. They traveled to Guantanamo Bay, Bora Bora, Samoa, New Hebrides, New Caledonia and Guadalcanal. They assisted the Marines in preparation for the Battle of Okinawa. He continued his service after the war ended, and was discharged in May of 1946.
Date: May 2, 2008
Creator: Ogden, George William
System: The Portal to Texas History