Oral History: John Ryan 13-May-14, 20140513.

Format:

Book

Language:

English

Genre:

Internet videos.

Nonfiction films.

Physical Description:

online resource (video file 0:46:48) : Sound, Colour

Place of Publication:

13-May-14,

Summary:

Lt. Cdr John Ryan was born 30 November 1923 in Dallas, Texas. During the Great Depression the Ryan family struggled; however, they always had food and never went hungry. When war broke out with Japan, John joined the Navy and was selected to become a Navy pilot. After passing his training he was stationed aboard the Corregidor, which he referred to as a Kaiser Coffin, and then the Monterey. John flew a F4F wildcat and was involved in the Gilberts, Saipan, Guam and Okinawa battles. His most terrifying experience came when his squad was required to make a night landing on the deck of the Corregidor. It was the first time, and with much relief, the only time he had to make a night landing aboard a carrier. Often having to deal with anti aircraft fire on his missions, he once took a direct hit on his left wing. He was able to fly the crippled plane back and safely land. This is the only time he was hit. Most of his missions consisted of strafing and bombing enemy targets. Only once did he fire upon a Japanese Zero, shooting the enemy out of the sky. John's final mission was a bombing run over Tokyo; however, he never dropped those bombs. Admiral Halsey came on the radio and ordered his squadron to return, the war was over.

Notes:

Description based on online resource (viewed on 12 June, 2019).

Archive Reference: OH.3174.