Oral History Interview with John Frost, April 28, 2010 transcript

Oral History Interview with John Frost, April 28, 2010

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Frost. Frost joined the Army Air Forces around late 1942 and served as a pilot in the 13th Army Air Force, 5th Bombardment Group, 394th Bomb Squadron. In mid-1944 he was assigned to pilot and serve as Squadron Navigator aboard B-24s in the Pacific. They provided air support during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He describes one event where he and his crew were shot down over Mindanao in the Philippines. They were taken to Morotai Island for recovery. Around January of 1945 they traveled to Australia and participated in bombings over Biak and surrounding Schouten Islands. He returned to the US in July, and was discharged in December.
Date: April 28, 2010
Creator: Frost, John
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Virgil Sansing, April 28, 2010 transcript

Oral History Interview with Virgil Sansing, April 28, 2010

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Virgil Sansing. Sansing joined the Army Air Forces in November of 1941. He completed Aircraft Maintenance School, and served as a repairman for over a year, then received approval for flight school. In late 1943 Sansing served as a fighter pilot with the 359th Fighter Group, 369th Fighter Squadron in England. He flew missions over Europe in P-47s and P-51s. On 20 June 1944, while participating in the invasion of Normandy, Sansing was shot down when strafing rail yards in France. Upon parachuting, Sansing immediately went into hiding in the French countryside. For the next few months he was assisted by French families and members of the French Resistance, which helped him reach his base in England. He completed 50 combat missions. He went back to the US and served as a Gunnery Instructor in P-47s, and later completed Aircraft Maintenance Officer School. Sansing served 31 years in the Army, retiring in 1973. He then flew with the Confederate Air Force for 32 years.
Date: April 28, 2010
Creator: Sansing, Virgil
System: The Portal to Texas History