Richard V. Thiriot

File — Box: 30, Folder: 14

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Thiriot (b. 1920) enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a pilot cadet in December 1941. He and his friends were spurred to enlist by the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was trained in B17 and B24 aircraft and flew with actor Jimmy Stewart. He recalls high altitute bombing, being a "carpet bagger," and dropping spies, supplies, and propaganda behind enemy lines. His plane was shot down over Belgium and he stayed with the underground until he could rejoin the American forces. He ended his military service in May 1945. Interviewed by Benjamin Bahlmann. 44 pages.

Dates

2001-2010

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.