Title: Paul J. Fontana oral history interview, January 22, 1976

Identifier: OH0030   (https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/37217)

Description: Major General Paul John Fontana was born in Lucca, Italy, to American parents and grew up in Sparks, Nevada. Fontana was assigned sea duty aboard the USS Salt Lake City and went to Pensacola for flight training. The interview includes lengthy descriptions of World War II, from dawn-to-dusk patrols on the West Coast to fighter combat on Guadalcanal and Okinawa. The Grumman "Wildcat," Japanese "Zeros," "Bettys," "Washing Machine Charlies," and Japanese pilots are discussed. Living conditions, fatigue, and improved technology are also mentioned. Note is made of the evolution of air support for ground troops, radar-controlled interception, and a comparison of U.S. and Japanese aircraft. There is also some discussion of the Korean War, including battles at the Yalu River, the F-86 fighters used in raids near Seoul, and the "Panthers" used as air support for ground troops. Prisoners of war in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam are discussed in light of their situation when they were released and the Marine Corps' aid to them. Interviewer: Donald R. Lennon. Length: 3 hours.