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Sansing, Virgal

Virgal Sansing

Biography

Colonel Virgal E. Sansing (1921–2014) grew up in Bay City, Texas. Sansing joined the U.S. Air Force (then Army Air Corps) in 1941 and retired in 1973. He was a member of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) and a unit member of the Central Texas Wing. A decorated World War II veteran, Sansing was shot down in 1944 while flying a P-51 Mustang. After parachuting out of the aircraft, Sansing went into hiding in the French countryside, helped by members of the French Resistance until he returned safely to his base in England. In 2005, Sansing was elevated to the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honor in a ceremony in France. Sansing was inducted into the CAF American Combat Airman Hall of Fame in 2006.

Texas 150 Oral History

Colonel Sansing talks about his experience flying World War II-era aircraft, the purpose and aircraft holdings of the Confederate Air Force (CAF), how he maintains his skill with involvement in the CAF, and his opinions on the capabilities of the present-day U.S. Air Force.    

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PDF Transcript, December 11, 1986
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HTML Transrcipt, December 11, 1986

Full audio is available for this interview.  Request via Ask an Archivist.