Raney, Ray Cooper 1982-09-22

Ray Cooper Raney discusses his World War II combat flying for the Army Air Corps, his capture by German troops and POW internment, and his civilian aviation career following retirement from twenty years in the Air Force.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Ray Cooper Raney

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: September 22, 1982

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: Mark Wells

Length: 1 hour

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Family background, Born, Oklahoma (1923), Move to New Mexico (1927), First airplane ride, Curtis Robbins anecdote, World War II, Army Air Corps (age 18), Gunner, Technical sergeant, Cadet training, Description of AT-10, B-17 assignment, Advantages, Flying procedures, Base training (Rapid City, South Dakota), Overseas assignment (Stone, England), European missions, Typical mission, Combat flying, Helmet, Formation, Air speed, Bomb load, Enemy planes shot down.

Tape 1, Side 2: Last combat mission (March 24, 1944), "Toonerville Trolley" B-17, 3,000-plane raid, Target (Munich, Germany), P-47, P-51 escorts, Crash landing, Description of GI uniform, Capture by Germans, Prisoner of war experience, Solitary confinement, POW Interrogation Center (Frankfurt, Germany), Stalag-Luft-3, Escape committee, Hogan’s Heroes comparison, Liberation (1945), Return to U. S. by ship, Retirement from AF, Civilian career, Federal Aviation Administration, Lubbock, Texas (1969), Duties, Aviation growth in Lubbock, Pilot training, Impact of 1970 tornado on airport.

Range Dates: 1923-1970

Bulk Dates: 1941-1970

Access Information

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