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Carl Heflinger Interview

Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area

Carl arrived in Alaska in 1932 where wages were better and jobs more plentiful than in Western Washington where he lived. Operating a saw mill and later learning how to mine Carl made a living mining in Alaska. When the US entered WWII Carl enlisted in the Air Force and worked as an aircraft mechanic on Lend-Lease planes destined for Russia. Mr. Heflinger’s interview provides some interesting insights into the changes that have occurred in Alaska – and Fairbanks particularly – over time as well as the mining industry. His WWII experiences remind us of the hazards of aviation and the role women played in the war ferrying aircraft across country.

Download a full transcript of Carl's interview.