The Descriptive Finding Guide for the Linus Upson Personal Papers SDASM.SC
AR
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
6/2016
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
Title: Linus Upson Personal Papers
Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC
Physical Description:
.35 Cubic Feet
This collection contains Linus Upson’s memorabilia which include a large scrapbook, photographs, a CD with photographs, certificates,
an autobiography, reunion booklets, cloth patches, and bio rosters. These documents are associated with Upson’s 80th Fighter
Squadron unit that flew in China-Burma-India, also known as the “Burma Banshees.”
Additional objects are stored in the curatorial department.
Two oversized photographs – Upson_1 and Upson_2 – have been placed in the Oversized Materials Special Collection, OMSC_00001.
This is a one box collection measuring 15 ¼ x 12 ½ x 5 inches.
Date (bulk): bulk
Abstract: Linus Upson served with the 80th Fighter Group in the Second World War in the CBI Theater.
Tampa, Florida and graduated from the University of Tampa with a B.S. degree in 1941. He enlisted as a flying cadet in 1941
and was commissioned and awarded his pilot's wings in April, 1942. He flew 150 combat missions in the China-Burma-India Theater
(C.B.I.) of World War II and later in the Korean conflict. Col. Upson was a command pilot and awarded the Distinguished Flying
Cross with cluster, Air Medal with two clusters, and the Bronze Star medal. He married Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Standau, also
of Tampa, in 1942 and had four children. Linus retired from the Air Force in 1966, settled in Northridge, CA and started a
second career with Hughes Aircraft Company. When his wife Betty passed away in 2009, he moved to San Diego where he lived
until his passing on May 2, 2014.
Upson flew with the 80th Fighter Group – consisting of the 88th, 89th, and 90th Fighter Squadrons – in the C.B.I. campaign.
Labeled the “Burma Banshees,” he was stationed in Burma to attack the Japanese forces. They assisted India with the Japanese
sweep. They trained in Republic P-47 Thunderbolts but flew combat missions in the Curtiss P-40N. After two years in combat,
the squadron was removed from duty.
This is a one box collection measuring 15 ¼ x 12 ½ x 5 inches. It contains Linus Upson’s memorabilia which include a large
scrapbook, photographs, a CD with photographs, certificates, an autobiography, reunion booklets, cloth patches, and bio rosters.
These documents are associated with Upson’s 80th Fighter Squadron unit that flew in China-Burma-India, also known as the “Burma
Banshees.”
Additional objects are stored in the curatorial department.
Two oversized photographs – Upson_1 and Upson_2 – have been placed in the Oversized Materials Special Collection, OMSC_00001.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The materials in this collection were donated to the San Diego Air & Space Museum in May, 2014. The collection has been processed
and is open for research with no restrictions.
The collection is open to research by appointment.
Breed, Warren, “Burma Banshee,” Eightieth Fighter Group of Burma (Calcutta, India, 1945?). D 790 .B65 80th F.G. 1945?
Fowler, Richard W., “The Burma Banshees : a history of the 80th Fighter Group, 1942-1945,” (Sheppard AFB, Texas, 1976). D
790 .F615 1976
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Republic P-47 Thunderbolt
Eightieth Fighter Group
China Burma India Theater (CBI)
Upson, Linus
Series I: Richard Cart Autobiography
Physical Description: Folder 1 – Richard Ray Cart Autobiography
This folder contains a 105-page book titled “Those were the Days, My Friend!” written in 1999. It is his perspective and story
of his life with much emphasis on World War II. It is his memories of events and his friends, but warns us that it is not
a true biography. Linus Upson is mentioned on page 70. Richard Cart knew Linus Upson for over fifty years.
Series II: Burma Banshee Papers
Folder 2 – Squadron History Booklets
Physical Description: 1. Ex-CBI Roundup; March, 1997. This booklet contains stories about the Burma Banshees’ experiences in World War II in their
civilian life as well as their fight against the Japanese.
2. Booklet titled “Burma Banshees II – The Rest of the Story,” by Tony Jewell & Ken Thomas. In it are many entertaining and
exciting stories about the lives, thoughts, and actions of the Burma Banshee Pilots.
3. This booklet contains the history of the 89th Fighter Squadron. It also includes individual pilots who received awards
and decorations as well as photocopied photographs.
Folder 3 – Burma Banshees Combat Book
Physical Description: This folder contains a Burma Banshee Combat Book (passed by U.S. Army Press Censor) and a photocopy of it. It is a souvenir
“scrapbook” published by the officers and men of the Eightieth Fighter Group of Burma. It contains the character and operations
of the fighter group and its personnel.
Folder 4 – Reunion Booklets & CD
Physical Description: 1. CD of the 80th Fighter Group Reunion in Milwaukee, 2007.
2. 80th Fighter Group Class Reunion Mini-Yearbook in San Diego, 1986.
3. Burma Banshees 80th Fighter Group, 1992 Reunion (yearbook).
4. 80th Fighter Group, 1995 reunion (printed photographs of personnel).
5. 80th Fighter Group 1996 reunion in Reno, Nevada (printed photographs of personnel).
6. Burma Banshees – Some permanent memories of our 2005 reunion in Odessa, Texas (printed photographs).
Folder 5 – Bio-Rosters
Series IV – Photographs
Physical Description: Folder 7 – Photographs
This folder contains 17 photographs of 80th fighter group sites, aircraft, and personnel. There are also photographs of Mitchell
Field, NY, Hopin Airstrip, an official group photograph of NATO officials, the USS Louisiana warship, and a restricted photograph
of the Namkwin Bridge. Additionally there are reunion photographs of the 80th fighter group in oversized sleeves, and photocopies
of the photographs.
Series V – Certificates
Physical Description: Folder 8 – Certificates
1. Papers listing the candidates who were awarded the Air Medal for meritorious achievements by the Department of the Air
Force, June 30, 1966.
2. Certificate from Department of the Air Force for a Commendation Medal (first oak leaf cluster) awarded to Col. Linus Upson
(on the back a citation to accompany the award).
3. Certificate of Retirement from the U.S. Armed Forces, August 1, 1966.
4. Certificate from Norfolk Virginia Armed Forces Staff College, January 19, 1956.
5. Certificate from Industrial College of the Armed Forces Diploma, June 13, 1961.
6. Certificate of Meritorious Service Air Force Commendation Medal from the Department of the Air Force, October 5, 1960.
7. Certificate from the T’Bolt P-47 Fighter Pilots Association awards Upson for his duty in World War II.
8. Certificate from “the President of the United States of America” appointing Upson to First Lieutenant in the Air Corps,
April 29, 1945.