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Taster (William) Personal Papers
SDASM.SC.10167
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
Title: William Tascher Personal Papers
Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC.10167
Physical Description:
.5 Cubic Feet
Description: There are two archival banker-sized boxes, each measuring 15.75”L x 9.75”H x 12.75”W. Box 1 also contains a
smaller archival storage box inside, measuring 12.75”L x 3”H x 9.5”W containing patches, “Short Snorter,” two silk escape
maps, two books, and ID cards.
Content Notes: This collection contains service records, associated papers, rosters, year books, log books, very detailed
service records and personal papers, awards, class books, commemorative books, albums, etc. Photos have been removed from
the frames and envelopes for conservation and duplication to the photo files.
Date (bulk): bulk
Abstract: Tascher graduated from pilot training as part of class 44A in January 1944 and was assigned to North American B-25 training
at Columbia AAB, SC with additional training at Mather Field, CA. In December 1944, he was assigned to the 341st Bomb Group,
491st Bomb Squadron at Yangkai air base in China, flying combat missions against the Japanese in various models of the B-25
Mitchell and earning a DSC and Purple Heart for his service.
William V. Tascher was born in Denver, Colorado, on February 9, 1921. He attended Horace Mann Junior High, graduated from
Hoover High School in 1939, and graduated from San Diego State University in 1942. Between June and September, Tascher earned
a private pilot’s license flying a Piper J-3 Cub at the Speer Flying Service in San Diego. He enlisted in the USAAC on September
11, 1942 and, upon his graduation from college, received his primary flight training with class 12th Se-L at Thunderbird Field,
Mesa, AZ, in June 1943. He subsequently received basic flight training in Vultee BT-13s at Pecos AAB, TX; advanced training
(twin engine) at Fort Sumner AAB, NM in Cessna AT-17s. Tascher graduated from pilot training as part of class 44A in January
1944 and was assigned to North American B-25 training at Columbia AAB, SC with additional training at Mather Field, CA. In
December 1944, he was assigned to the 341st Bomb Group, 491st Bomb Squadron at Yangkai air base in China, flying combat missions
against the Japanese in various models of the B-25 Mitchell and earning a DSC and Purple Heart for his service. At the end
of the war, Tascher returned to the United States and was mustered out of active duty in December 1945. He would continue
to serve in the Reserves until 1953. Tascher passed away in 2012.
The collection is open to research by appointment.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The collection was donated to the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
Description: There are two archival banker-sized boxes, each measuring 15.75”L x 9.75”H x 12.75”W. Box 1 also contains a
smaller archival storage box inside, measuring 12.75”L x 3”H x 9.5”W containing patches, “Short Snorter,” two silk escape
maps, two books, and ID cards.
Content Notes: This collection contains service records, associated papers, rosters, year books, log books, very detailed
service records and personal papers, awards, class books, commemorative books, albums, etc. Photos have been removed from
the frames and envelopes for conservation and duplication to the photo files.
391st Photos.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Speer Flying Service
341st Bomb Group
391st Bomb Squadron
North American B-25 Mitchell
Volte BT-13
Tascher, William V