Wilson, George Coolidge 1982-09-27
George C. Wilson reminisces over his service in the Army Air Corps during World War II.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: George Coolidge Wilson
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: September 27, 1982
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: Mark Wells
Length: 45 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: George Coolidge Wilson,
Born: February 14, 1918,
First involvement with aviation in the southwest,
Born and educated in Princeton, Texas,
Came to Texas Tech in fall of 1936,
Degree in Dairy manufacturing,
Draft registration,
Civilian Pilot Training,
Motivation for joining Air Corps,
Feeling among Tech students relative to war,
Red Raider squadron,
Activities following civilian pilot training,
Physical exam,
Swearing in,
Thirty days of leave,
Reception center, Kelly Field (San Antonio, Texas),
Primary training, Sikeston, Missouri,
PT-19,
Instruction,
Basic Training, Randolph Field at San Antonio,
Military instructors,
Military lifestyle,
Flying activity around San Antonio,
BT-14,
BT-13,
Cross-over patterns,
Wash out rate,
Primary training,
Basic training,
Advanced training, Lubbock,
Selection,
Lubbock in 1942,
Population,
Reese Air Force Base,
Life at Reese,
Training Flight to Houston,
Entertainment,
Cadet Club,
Movies,
Social life,
Distance between Reese and town,
War Highway,
Alcohol acquisition,
Attitude of Lubbock population toward military,
Evolution of Reese,
Closure (c. 1945).
Tape 1, Side 2: Evolution of Reese (continued),
Reopened during Korean War,
Name change,
Augustus F. Reese,
Post graduation,
Wings and Commission (1942),
Orders for Big Spring,
Bombardier school,
AT-11,
Practice bombs,
Wilson’s feelings about orders,
Description of practice bombing mission,
Sterling City bivouac,
Changes in Big Spring since war,
Post-war activities,
Discharged (October 1945),
Worked for Bell Dairy,
Marriage,
Anecdote about post-wedding pranks pulled by friends.
Range Dates: 1918-1982
Bulk Dates: 1936-1946
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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