Oral history interview with John R. Thompson, 1999.

ArchivalResource

Thomson, John R., 1918-2004. Oral history interview with John R. Thompson, 1999.

Oral history interview with John R. Thompson, 1999.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/84920565

John R. Thomson, a Pontiac, Michigan native, discusses his experience in the Army Air Corps as a B-24 pilot in the European Theater of World War II. Thomson talks about working at Pontiac Motors after high school, the production of military hardware at his plant after the war started, and giving up his deferment to enlist in the Army Air Corps. He touches on basic training at Miami Beach, taking college-level crash courses at Kent State (Ohio), preflight training in San Antonio, and pilot training in Cuero and Waco (Texas). Thomson comments on the airplanes he trained on, overcoming air sickness, once almost falling out of his plane, and passing flight tests. Assigned to a B-24 crew, he shares his impressions of B-24 bombers and states he was most nervous during take-off. Thomson describes running "ditch procedure" drills to practice evacuating the plane and teaching himself techniques that later saved the plane. In January of 1945, he talks about flying to his assigned airfield in Italy via the Azores, handling the airplane when all four engines quit, and developing a reputation for diagnosing mechanical problems. Thomson addresses other difficult situations he surpassed as a pilot. He tells of bombing missions in Germany, being attacked by a Messerschmitt Me 262 jet, using chaff to deflect antiaircraft fire, and flying in close formation. Thomson portrays food on the airbase, living conditions, giving liquor to the officer's club, and overcoming his fear of flying missions. After the war ended, he talks about staying in Europe for two months to transport supplies before flying back to the States. He talks about his career at Rheem Manufacturing in Pasadena (California), buying a house with a GI Bill loan, and eventually moving to Madison (Wisconsin) to work at Bock Corporation. Thomson details a mission over Brenner Pass (Italy and Austria) when his copilot lost control of himself.

Sound recording : 2 sound cassettes (ca. 80 min.) : analog, 1 7/8 ips.Videorecording : 1 videocassette (ca. 80 min.) : sd., col. ; 1/2 in.Master sound recording : 1 sound cassette (ca. 80 min.) : analog, 1 7/8 ips.Military papers 0.1 linear ft. (1 folder)Transcript : 29 p.

Wisconsin Veterans Museum Research Center