BRAY, Leslie W., Jr. (b. 1921) | Oral History

BRAY, Leslie W., Jr. (b. 1921)

Oral Histories

His experiences in the China-Burma-India Theater during World War II. His youth during the Great Depression; early aspirations to become an aviator; initial failures to pass the Air Forces physical examination; acceptance into the Aviation Cadet Program, January, 1942; primary flight training, Coleman, Texas, 1942; basic flight training, Randolph Field, San Antonio, Texas, 1942; advanced flight training, Foster Field, Victoria, Texas, 1942; assignment to Troop Carrier Command, October, 1942; flying C-47s with the 1st Troop Carrier Command, Sedalia, Missouri, 1942; training with the 10th Troop Carrier Group, Pope Field, North Carolina, 1942-43; appointment as assistant group operations officer for the 10th Troop Carrier Group; Air Force School of Applied Tactics, Dunnellon, Florida, 1943; training of replacement units at various Air Force installations, 1943-44; designation as the commander of the 16th Combat Cargo Squadron, 1944; assignment to the CBI Theater and stationing at Sylhet, India, 1944-45; supplying the British 14th Army in Burma; transfer to Agartala, India, 1945; transfer to Chittagong, India, 1945; flying difficulties due to weather conditions; transfer to Myitkyina, Burma, 1945, and flying “The Hump”; deactivation of the 16th Combat Cargo Squadron, November, 1945; postwar Air Force career and retirement as a general officer.
Date of Interview: March 3, 1999

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