Interview with Robert William Kidwell, July 26, 2010

Interview Summary

Kidwell discusses his service in the Air Force during World War II. He worked with planes, ensuring their guns were able to be used during combat. Kidwell went to Africa via the Oran Airfield. They later went to Algiers. They had to burn planes that wouldn't fly. He says twelve planes would fly at a time and they were the only ones at the airport. They slept in foxholes and the food was canned rations. He describes being in Anzio, Italy. He describes the medals he was awarded. He stayed in touch with his family via mail. He says he had one break back to the U.S. during which he got married. He briefly talks about his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Interview Keyword

World War II Spitfire (Fighter plane) Armed Forces. Occupational training Soldiers Fighter planes Basic training (Military education) Military weapons Families

Interview LC Subject

Airplanes War Air warfare United States. Air Force World War, 1939-1945--Veterans Italy Military history Africa Firearms Machine guns Combat Military World War, 1939-1945

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.