Rasmussen Robert - Vietnam Veteran Interview

Vietnam Veteran, Robert Rasmussen, was interviewed on November 11, 2022, in Pensacola, Florida. Capt. Rasmussen was a fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy aboard USS Mt Hood (AE29) during the Vietnam War. Capt. Rasmussen served with VF51, VF33, and VF111, while receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and Air Medal. Capt. Rasmussen was also a member of the famed Blue Angels. ‪@MakingHistoryProject‬

Summary:

(00:00) Interview conducted on Veterans Day, November 11, 2022, by Patrick Russell with Vietnam veteran Robert Rasmussen in Pensacola, Florida.

(00:53) Rasmussen was born May 26, 1930, in Sacramento but grew up in the small town of Rio Vista, California.

(02:38) Joined the Navy in January 1950 to avoid being drafted during the Korean War while attending Sacramento State College; his father, a WWI Army veteran, was supportive.

(05:06) Began Naval aviation training in Pensacola, Florida, in October 1951, completing the program in about 13 months.

(14:27) Deployed initially aboard the USS Philippine Sea flying Cougars; participated in training sorties but missed combat due to the Korean War ending during transit.

(22:25) Served two years with the elite Blue Angels, highlighting it as challenging yet attainable for experienced naval aviators.

(46:58) Had two deployments during the Vietnam War, experiencing intense combat with significant losses due to missiles and enemy aircraft.

(49:59) Survived a severe carrier fire that destroyed aircraft and killed fellow pilots, leading to an early return home.

(1:00:05) Experienced air-to-air combat with MIG aircraft in Vietnam, noting challenges and close calls.

(1:09:56) Cited his proudest moment as being involved in personnel management of Naval aviators and later commanding the Naval Aviation Schools Command, noting his career came full circle.