John G. Wood
The Museum recorded Wood’s oral history when he visited the Museum in May 2018 (OHP.167). He died in May 2019.
Person TypeIndividual
BiographyJohn G. Wood, from Valley City, North Dakota, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CV-11) as a pilot with Bombing Squadron 8 (VB-8), during World War II, from October 1943 to December 1943. He flew the Douglas SBD Dauntless and the Curtiss SB2C Helldiver. He held the rank of ensign. After being aboard Intrepid for the shakedown cruise and the transit through the Panama Canal, Wood was forced to leave the ship when he was injured by a landing aircraft. Wood was on the flight deck grading landing aircraft when the accident occurred. He was then given limited duty and became a pilot for an admiral, flying the admiral around the country. After being retired by the U.S. Navy in 1947, Wood earned a degree in business management from the University of Minnesota and began working for a real estate combine as an appraiser. Wood also began to work as a civilian for the U.S. Air Force. He spent nine years as a flight commander at a primary school. He then became a building contractor and continued to fly. Wood flew for 70 years.
The Museum recorded Wood’s oral history when he visited the Museum in May 2018 (OHP.167). He died in May 2019.
