Many of the oral histories in our collection are not told by well-known people, but the stories gave special insight into particular events the way now other sources can.  Take for example this oral history from an unknown pilot who flew Wright Brothers early aircraft and also discusses Glenn Curtiss at North Island. 

A photo from 1912 showing a Wright plane landing on North Island in 1912.

Sometimes ordinary people do incredible things.  Take for example, Walter Osipoff, who defied the odds by being rescued in mid-air after his parachute got caught in the tail of a DC-2.  You can hear all about this exploit here! 

Image of Osipoff caught in the tail of the DC-2.

If you are interested in learning about aviation in San Diego in the 1930s, you can listen to this oral history from Walter Lawr.

The view of Balboa Park Walter Lawr would have recognized in the 1930s.

In May of 1945, the aircraft carrier USS Bunker Hill, was attacked by Kamikazes, causing over 600 casualties.  In this oral history, Stan Abele discusses how he survived this tragic event during the Second World War.

This image from the Stan Abele collection shoes the extent of the damage to the USS Bunker Hill.

Another photo collection in our archives that has a corresponding oral history belongs to Phil Craven, and tells his story from World War Two up until the Vietnam War. 

F-8s of VF-191 with Phil Craven's fighter in the lead.

If you are interested in listening to more oral histories, you can find them all here!