Orlo L. Wilmeth Oral History
Object NameRecording, Video
Transcript
Narrator
Orlo L. Wilmeth
Association
USS Intrepid (CV/CVA/CVS-11)
DateApril 10, 2019
PeriodWorld War II
MediumMTS, PDF
ClassificationsCommunication Artifacts
Credit LineCollection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of Orlo L. Wilmeth. OHP.192
Object numberOHP.192
DescriptionOrlo L. Wilmeth served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CV-11) in 1945 as a pilot (LTJG) with Fighting Squadron 10 (VF-10). The Museum interviewed Wilmeth for our oral history collection on April 10, 2019.See transcript for complete interview. Below is a summary:
Orlo Wilmeth began his oral history with a summary of his childhood in rural Iowa and his decision to take a factory job building airplanes in Seattle. He explained his journey to the West coast, his enlistment in the Navy and his recruitment into pilot training. He recalled working alongside women in the factory.
Next, Wilmeth discussed his flight training, first in California and then in Texas. He recalled early training exercises in a Stearman biplane, receiving his wings in Corpus Christi, Texas, and failing the swim test in Chicago. Next, Wilmeth moved on to flying F6F Hellcat and F4F Wildcat planes near Atlantic City, New Jersey, to practice shooting. Then he detoured briefly to explain leaving the Navy after a shakedown cruise on USS Roosevelt and to recall a time during training when he and another cadet took a smoke break in a farmer’s field during a flight. He also shared a story of a pilot who died buzzing his hometown.
The interview then moved into Wilmeth’s assignment to Fighting Squadron 10 (VF-10) flying F4U Corsair planes on USS Intrepid. He recalled sailing to Hawaii and enjoying an ice cream party on the ship. He described flying Corsairs, the ship’s ready room, and a friend, Donald Croy, who died in an airborne accident. Wilmeth also discussed the social dynamics of his squadron. He remembered a time when the more senior pilots made cocktails on the ship and another pilot who used his record player.
Next, Wilmeth recalled attacks on the ships, including the kamikaze attack that hit the ship’s elevator, forcing the ship to return for repairs. He also discussed his own missions as a fighter pilot. He did not directly engage Japanese Zero pilots or other enemy aircraft, but he did bomb airfields and other targets. He recalled flying over Tokyo and China, the attack on USS Franklin and dealing with anti-aircraft fire. He also talked about taking liberty in Tokyo.
Towards the end of the interview, Wilmeth discussed daily life aboard ship, including food, playing poker and attending religious services. He also recalled sailing through a typhoon. Next, Wilmeth talked about his family, including how he met his wife, his life and career after the Navy and attending squadron reunions.
Extent: 11 video files, 41 page transcript
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