Oral History Interview with Truman Hedding, February 27, 1971

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Truman Hedding. Hedding was born in Morrisdale, Pennsylvania 14 July 1902. Graduating from the Naval Academy in 1924 he served on the USS Maryland (BB-46) until January 1926 at which time he went to the Naval Air Station at Pensacola for flight training. Upon receiving his wings, he was assigned to Fighting Squadron One of the Aircraft Squadron Battle Fleet. In 1931 Hedding received a Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also served in the Naval Flight Test Section in Washington, D.C.; on the USS Saratoga (CV-3); as a naval aide to the White House; and as a member of Fighting Squadron 2-B aboard the USS Lexington (CV-2). When WWII started he was stationed at Pensacola. He assisted in outfitting the USS Essex (CV-9) and upon her commissioning he served as the air officer and executive officer until July 1943. While serving on the staff of Air Pacific, he helped develop the circular formation for task force movement and various task force tactics. He served as chief of staff to Admiral Mark Mitscher and gives planning details of the Marianas invasion operation. Arleigh Burke replaced him and Hedding comments on the relationship between Burke and Mitscher. On 22 June 1944, Hedding reported for duty on the staff of Admiral Chester Nimitz. He discusses the investigation into losses suffered during typhoon Cobra and the planning of the invasion of the Japanese home islands. Following the surrender of Japan he was assigned to the Strategic Bombing Command. He interrogated various Japanese officials and officers, among them Marquis Kido, Admiral Soemu Toyota, Admiral Jisaburo Ozawa and Saburo Sakai. Hedding recalls other incidents and assignments until his retirement in January 1959