Collection Guide
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Yellin (Jerome) Personal Papers
SDASM.SC.10161
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
Title: Jerome Yellin Personal Papers
creator:
Yellin, Jerry
Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC.10161
Physical Description:
0.48 Cubic Feet
One (1) box, 10" x 15" x 5"
Date (inclusive): 1943-1955
Abstract: This collection contains many photographs, records, and news articles about Jerome (Jerry) Yellin and his experiences as a
World War II pilot. It also contains some spectacular items, such as a story depicting Yellin as a modern Maccabee pilot,
a dog tag, different types of currency attached together with tape, and an invitation to celebrate the first long-range escort
raid over mainland Japan.
Digitized images from this collectiona re available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/sets/72157634845056791/
A more detailed finding guide is available at http://www.sandiegoairandspace.org/collections/collection_item.php?id=89
Some copyright may be reserved. Consult with the library director for more information.
The collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The materials in this collection were donated to the San Diego Air & Space Museum prior to 2013. The collection has been processed
and is open for research with no restrictions.
Jerome Yellin was born in New Jersey in 1924, and convinced his parents to let him join the Army Air Corps in 1942. After
a few years of training, cadet Yellin qualified to become a 2nd Lieutenant, and was assigned to the 78th Fighter Squadron.
In 1943, Yellin experienced an engine malfunction and was forced to bail out near Haleiwa, Hawaii. He was an exceptional pilot,
which is why he was specifically chosen among his squadron to be the first long-range escort fighter pilot to fly to mainland
Japan and defend the B-29 bombers on their way to Tokyo and was purportedly the first Jewish pilot to do so. Yellin was promoted
to 1st Lieutenant and Captain while in service. Sgt. George Ammerman, part of the 78th Fighter Squadron, described Yellin
as always focused on his mission and a, “Maccabee with Wings.” He flew over one thousand hours of missions in various aircraft,
predominantly fighter planes. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and was honorably discharged in May, 1955. In
1995, he published “Of War and Weddings.”
[Item], [Filing Unit], [Series Title], [Subgroups], [Record Group Title and Number], [Repository “San Diego Air & Space Museum
Library & Archives”]
One box, 15" x 10" x 5". The collection is composed of photographs and text relating to Jerome Yellin and his experiences
as a pilot. Also contained in the collection are a dog tag and a "short snorter" (banknotes signed by air crews and taped
together).
Subjects and Indexing Terms
New Jersey (state)
Jewish fighter pilots
Japan (nation)
Hawaii (state)
Pacific Theater
North American P-51 Mustang Family
World War, 1939-1945
Tōkyō (Japan)
Aircraft accidents
Boeing B-29 Superfortress
Distinguished Flying Cross (Medal)
Escort fighter planes
Flight training
Haleiwa (Hawaii)
World War, 1939-1945 -- Campaigns -- Pacific Area
United States. Army. Air Corps
United States. Army Air Forces
Yellin, Jerry
Yellin, Jerry
United States. Army Air Forces. Fighter Group, 78th
Doolittle Raiders
Caterpillar Club
United States. Army Air Forces. Fighter Group, 18th