Guy Rogers and Marie Rogers Interview, January 19, 1987

Abstract

Guy Rogers discusses starting the Charlie Russell Riders, an equestrian drill team for young adults in Missoula, Montana, in 1956, because his daughters were interested in horse riding. He describes the choreography and maneuvers the team practiced as well as their success in state competitions. Rogers recalls enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps [Air Force] during World War Two. He details the accelerated military training and pilot training that he received, before being assigned to a U.S. base in England. Rogers talks about meeting Jimmy Stewart there after Stewart's plane was shot at by a German plane. Both interviewees talk about rationing as part of the war effort and the importance of national pride. They also recall the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Guy describes spending a year in a German prisoner of war [POW] camp with his co-pilot after their plane was shot down on March 6, 1944, and eight of their crew were killed or missing in action. He talks about losing his leg to gangrene in the camp and the resulting amputation. The Rogers' discusses Guy's homecoming in 1945, including his time in military hospitals, meeting his one-year-old daughter for the first time, and trying to find housing in Missoula, which was scarce due the influx of returning G.I.s. ; https://scholarworks.umt.edu/worldwar2_oralhistory/1002/thumbnail.jpg