Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
1:20 | In this chilling account, Jim explains what caused one plane's fatal mishap as it approached an improvised landing strip.
As an aeronautics student in college, Jim Corgill knew what he was meant to do when enlisting after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Here he describes his journey on the way to becoming a flight commander.
Jim Corgill describes why his mission over Normandy was delayed, how he eventually dropped paratroopers into battle, and what the skies looked like as flak was fired at his airplane.
During the invasion of Holland, Jim remembers the unusual reaction of his co-pilot, landing after being hit by gunfire, and miraculously avoiding a deadly explosion.
Ice and a winter freeze impeded Jim Corgill's mission during the Battle of the Bulge. Here he laments how one plane crashed after inventive attempts at "de-icing" didn't work.
On a flight to bring fuel to General Patton, Jim Corgill recalls blowing an engine and the panic he felt with all that fuel aboard. After landing safely, Jim humorously explains an unusual encounter with Russian soldiers.
