William O’Brien Mally Personal Papers

William O’Brien Mally was born April 1, 1919, in Utah to Casimer and Helen Malinowski. He went entered University of Chicago in 1936 and enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in 1940.

He was a lieutenant and navigator, flying all over the world, including, India, the Middle East, North Africa, and China. Prior to Pearl Harbor, he served with the first U.S. troops during the African campaign and was later assigned to the 20thAir Force and the 48th Bomb Wing as a navigator, flying the “Hump” from India into China and Japan and later flying bombing missions over Japan. He was discharged as a lieutenant colonel in 1946.

After his years of service in the Air Force, Mally finished his BS in business and earned an MA in business administration, later becoming the sales manager of the Container Corporation of America. He was married to Helen Zipprodt Aug. 30, 1947, and was the father to Michael, Lynn and Jill Mally. He died Oct. 2, 1956 at age 37. He is buried at Washington Heights Memorial Park, South Ogden. Utah.

Link to Images on Flickr.

Link to Descriptive Finding Guide.

San Diego Air & Space Museum

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